Hungary Approves Controversial LGBTQ and Dual Citizenship Law Amid Protests

Hungarian lawmakers have passed sweeping constitutional amendments that many say target the LGBTQ community and dual nationals, in what critics are calling another step toward authoritarianism under Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The new amendments—passed with 140 votes in favor and 21 against—declare that people can only be “male or female”, directly challenging transgender and non-binary identities. The government also empowered itself to temporarily revoke citizenship from certain dual nationals, sparking fears among political critics and activists.

Protests and Opposition Uproar

Before the vote, protesters chained themselves outside the parliament building in Budapest. Opposition lawmakers unfurled a banner inside the chamber reading, “You can ban us, but not the truth.”

“We never thought that 14 years later, we would have to do the same thing,” said opposition MP Timea Szabo, recalling similar protests during earlier constitutional overhauls.

The government framed the move as part of a broader fight against “foreign influence” and “bogus NGOs”, hinting at long-standing tensions with figures like Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros.

Pride March Targeted Indirectly

A new clause prioritizes children’s rights for “proper physical, mental and moral development” over other fundamental rights—excluding the right to life. This is widely seen as a legal step toward banning Pride marches in Hungary.

Another bill, yet to be voted on, will determine that citizenship can be suspended for up to 10 years, with non-EU nationals possibly expelled from the country during that time.

Critics Warn of Rising Authoritarianism

Legal experts and human rights activists have raised the alarm, labeling the citizenship clause as unprecedented in international law and possibly violating binding human rights conventions.

“You could consider this soft Putinism,” said Szabolcs Pek, a political analyst. “The government is limiting space for opposition, journalists, and civil society.”

Political Motive Behind the Law

Analysts say the amendments are aimed at distracting public attention from economic struggles and failing public services, while also dividing the opposition ahead of upcoming elections.

Opposition figure Peter Magyar, who leads the growing TISZA party, has remained silent on the LGBTQ issue—likely to avoid alienating conservative voters. But this silence could cost him liberal support, highlighting a strategic trap set by the ruling Fidesz party.