Hungarian Lawmakers Approve Measures Aimed at LGBTQ+ Community Amid Rising Political Tensions

Hungary’s parliament has passed a series of constitutional amendments on Monday that critics say target LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations receiving financial support from abroad. These moves come as the country’s political climate intensifies ahead of the 2026 elections.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has held power since 2010, faces increasing pressure due to a faltering economy and the emergence of a new opposition force seen as a significant threat to his leadership. Analysts suggest the latest legal changes are part of a broader strategy to reinforce support from his base and attract voters from far-right groups.

Orban has long vowed to limit the influence of foreign-backed independent media and civil society organizations. His government has also been stepping up its campaign against LGBTQ+ communities.

Backed by the ruling Fidesz party’s supermajority and far-right legislators, the amendments were easily adopted, with 140 votes in favor and 21 against. One of the key provisions emphasizes prioritizing children’s physical and moral well-being over other rights.

Ahead of the vote, a government spokesperson posted on social media that the amendments are intended to guard against ideological influences believed to threaten children’s welfare, specifically referencing events such as Pride marches.

Among the changes is a constitutional definition that acknowledges only two genders—male and female—aligning with the government’s conservative Christian ideology.

These amendments reinforce a law passed in March that effectively bans the annual Pride parade, arguing that such events could be detrimental to children. Critics say this infringes on freedom of assembly and has already sparked protests. Fidesz maintains that child protection takes precedence over the right to demonstrate.

Pride organizers noted that the LGBTQ+ community has long been under pressure from those in power. They expressed concern that banning a rally for LGBTQ+ rights sets a precedent that could threaten peaceful protests by other groups as well.

Another provision approved on Monday allows the temporary suspension of Hungarian citizenship for dual nationals who also hold citizenship in non-EU countries. Officials argue that this is part of a larger initiative to address the influence of foreign-funded actors allegedly working against national interests.