The Hungarian parliament on Monday approved controversial constitutional changes aimed at limiting LGBTQ+ rights and restricting foreign funding for civil society organisations, as nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban intensifies efforts to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 elections.
The amendment, passed with 140 votes in favour and 21 against, defines only “man” and “woman” as legally recognised genders and claims to prioritise “the physical and moral development of children over all other rights”. It also provides a constitutional basis for a law passed in March banning pride marches.
Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs defended the changes, saying they offer “constitutional protection against ideological influences threatening children’s future”, especially during events like Pride. He added the law is part of a broader fight against what he described as “foreign-funded political pressure networks”.
The ruling Fidesz party and its far-right allies used their two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass the amendment. It also enables the suspension of Hungarian citizenship for nationals receiving foreign support, outside the EU.
Rights groups and LGBTQ+ communities have denounced the move as discriminatory and a further step towards authoritarianism in a country already under EU scrutiny for democratic backsliding.
