This week, the Hungarian parliament adopted the 15th amendment to the constitution, officially recognizing only two genders—male and female.
The voting session was broadcast live on the legislature’s official website. Out of 199 lawmakers, 140 voted in favor of the amendment, while 21 opposed it. The changes required approval from at least two-thirds of parliamentarians to pass. The initiative was proposed by the ruling Fidesz party.
Key Constitutional Changes
- Gender Definition: The constitution now explicitly states that a person can only be male or female. Fatherhood is legally defined as belonging to a man, and motherhood to a woman.
- Family Values: Marriage and parent-child relationships are declared the foundation of the family.
- Child Protection: An amendment was adopted prioritizing children’s rights to physical, mental, and spiritual development over other rights (except the right to life). This could serve as grounds for banning LGBT parades if authorities deem them harmful to children’s interests.
The parliament also supported a complete ban on the production, distribution, and promotion of drugs in Hungary.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán previously stated that LGBT marches would no longer be held in Budapest. In the past, such events were led by former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman, who is openly gay.
This move by Hungary continues its push to strengthen traditional values, a stance that has sparked debates in the EU for several years.
