Hungary's parliament approved sweeping constitutional changes that curtail the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals, sparking significant public outcry and criticism from human rights advocates.
Hungary's Parliament Enacts Controversial Amendments Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights and Dual Nationals
Hungary's Parliament Enacts Controversial Amendments Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights and Dual Nationals
Protests erupt as government aims to restrict freedoms in the name of children's welfare.
In a significant legislative move, Hungary's parliament has passed a series of constitutional amendments impacting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals. The government claims these changes are intended to safeguard the physical and moral wellbeing of children, enabling them to prohibit public gatherings related to LGBTQ+ issues. This decision follows the recent ban on LGBTQ+ pride parades under the pretext of protecting children, which Prime Minister Viktor Orban supported, asserting a commitment to shield youth from "woke ideology".
The parliamentary vote saw 140 in favor and 21 against, despite public protests demanding the protection of basic rights outside the parliament. Critics argue these amendments signify a disturbing trend towards illiberal governance in Hungary. Opposition MP David Bedo emphasized that the implications extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights, warning of a coordinated campaign against dissent and democratic principles.
Additionally, the amendments allow the government to suspend citizenship for dual nationals deemed a threat, which Fidesz party representatives claim targets foreign influences, including financial backers of alleged harmful organizations. This rhetoric may also be aimed at high-profile figures like Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, often criticized by Orban.
As Fidesz faces rising competition from the center-right party Tisza, which advocates for a more favorable relationship with the EU, the government appears to be fortifying its conservative stance. The amendments are viewed by many as an attempt to reshape Hungary's national identity along more Christian-conservative lines, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.
The parliamentary vote saw 140 in favor and 21 against, despite public protests demanding the protection of basic rights outside the parliament. Critics argue these amendments signify a disturbing trend towards illiberal governance in Hungary. Opposition MP David Bedo emphasized that the implications extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights, warning of a coordinated campaign against dissent and democratic principles.
Additionally, the amendments allow the government to suspend citizenship for dual nationals deemed a threat, which Fidesz party representatives claim targets foreign influences, including financial backers of alleged harmful organizations. This rhetoric may also be aimed at high-profile figures like Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, often criticized by Orban.
As Fidesz faces rising competition from the center-right party Tisza, which advocates for a more favorable relationship with the EU, the government appears to be fortifying its conservative stance. The amendments are viewed by many as an attempt to reshape Hungary's national identity along more Christian-conservative lines, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.
