Hungary passes amendment to ban LGBTQ public gatherings

Hungary's parliament made a significant decision on April 14, 2025, by passing a controversial amendment to the country's constitution, enabling the government to prohibit public gatherings organized by LGBTQ communities. This decision has been criticized by legal experts and opposition leaders, who argue that it marks a troubling shift toward authoritarianism under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration. The amendment received overwhelming support from the ruling Fidesz party, with 140 votes for and only 21 against, showcasing a united front in the face of widespread opposition protests outside the parliament building. Following the vote, opposition lawmakers attempted to block the entrance to the parliamentary garage, demonstrating the increasing tensions between the government and its critics. These events are part of a broader pattern of anti-LGBTQ sentiment that has emerged in Hungary in recent years, often framed under the bogus pretense of child protection. The government has previously enacted legislation aiming to shield children from materials related to homosexuality, further exacerbating polarization within Hungarian society. Critics argue that the measures distract from pressing economic issues and seek to consolidate Orbán's political power as elections approach in 2026. The newly passed amendment also enshrines a definition of gender in the constitution, stating that only male and female sexes are recognized, effectively excluding transgender and intersex individuals from legal acknowledgment. Many see this as a deliberate attempt to alienate a marginalized segment of the population while rallying support within Orbán's conservative base. As protests continue and debates heat up regarding the future of civil liberties in Hungary, it remains to be seen how these legal changes will affect the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ individuals and the nature of political dissent in the country moving forward.