BUDAPEST – The Hungarian Parliament has passed the 15th amendment to the national constitution, granting new powers to restrict public gatherings, including the potential ban on LGBTQ+ Pride marches. The amendment, pushed by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, passed on Monday with 140 votes in favor and 21 against, amid vocal opposition and protests from liberal and centrist lawmakers.
According to Index.hu, members of the opposition Momentum Movement disrupted the vote by blowing horns and displaying a banner reading: “You can expel us, but not the truth.” Opposition parties Democratic Coalition (DK) and Jobbik refused to vote in protest.
Assembly Rights Narrowed, Children’s Rights Prioritized
The newly adopted legislation gives precedence to “children’s rights over the right to assemble,” potentially enabling authorities to block events like Pride parades in the name of protecting minors. Critics warn the amendment marks a further decline in civil liberties under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration.
The law aligns with recent changes to the Assembly Act, which the European Commission is currently reviewing for compatibility with EU human rights standards. Critics argue it may lead to the criminalization of peaceful demonstrators and increased stigmatization of LGBTQ+ communities.
Broader Constitutional Revisions
The amendment package also includes:
- The right to use physical cash as a constitutionally protected form of payment.
- A ban on drug use entrenched in the constitution.
- Provisions allowing overpopulated municipalities to reject new residents.
- A binary gender definition: classifying sex at birth as biologically male or female.
- New rules regarding emergency powers, prosecutorial appointments, and the possibility of suspending Hungarian citizenship for dual nationals.
These sweeping changes have drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers and human rights groups, who warn that Hungary is drifting further from European democratic norms.
Ongoing EU Scrutiny
The European Commission has expressed concern over the legislation’s compatibility with EU legal principles, especially regarding freedom of expression and non-discrimination. Human rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty has urged the Hungarian government to reconsider the law, warning of its potential impact on civil liberties.
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