In a significant step, Hungarian lawmakers are set to vote on a constitutional amendment that critics argue is a harsh clampdown on freedoms of assembly and expression, specifically targeting LGBTQ+ rights. This amendment, which is anticipated to pass with the backing of the ruling Fidesz party, would enshrine a permanent ban on public events organised by LGBTQ+ groups, including Budapest’s renowned Pride parade, traditionally attended by thousands each year.
Furthermore, the amendment will form a legal foundation for denying the gender identities of minority groups, alongside provisions that could allow for the suspension of citizenship for those deemed a threat to national security. This bold move raises concerns over the encroachment of basic rights for all citizens in Hungary, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.
The constitutional amendment — Hungary’s 15th since 2011 — legitimises prior legislation that criminalises participation in events violating controversial “child protection” laws, which curtail the depiction of homosexuality in front of minors. This law empowers authorities to identify attendees using facial recognition technology and impose substantial fines on offenders.
Critics, including legal experts, have voiced that such restrictions infringe upon constitutional assembly rights. The amendment prioritises children’s development rights over the right to peacefully assemble, thereby framing it within a specific legal context. Additionally, it affirms a biological definition of sex that neglects the identities of transgender individuals and the existence of intersex people, a move compared to similar anti-LGBTQ+ policies enacted in Russia.
Hungarian lawmakers are voting on a constitutional amendment that aims to ban LGBTQ+ public events, including Pride. The amendment is expected to pass, enabling the government to deny gender identities and suspend citizenship for perceived security threats. Critics argue this impedes basic freedoms, drawing parallels to similar laws in Russia. Protests have erupted in response, with significant opposition from civil rights groups.
The passage of the constitutional amendment in Hungary signals a troubling shift towards the restriction of personal freedoms, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. By enshrining bans on public gatherings and denying gender identities, the amendment threatens both the rights of minorities and the principles of democracy. As protests erupt and opposition parties rally, this moment reflects deep societal divisions and the ongoing struggle for basic human rights in Hungary.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
