Hungary Curbs LGBTQ Rights With Constitutional Amendment

Read more at MSN.

Hungary’s parliament passed constitutional changes to clamp down on LGBTQ rights and potentially suspend some dual citizenships, bolstering Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s campaign to promote what he calls traditional values.

Facing a galvanized political opposition that has fueled large protests in Budapest in recent months, Orban has sought to stir his conservative base ahead of parliamentary elections next year.

The constitutional amendments passed Monday state that there are only two sexes, man and woman. The changes, said to intend protect children, have been interpreted as a broad crackdown on pride parades and other public displays that run counter to Orban’s traditional-values campaign.

Another change in the constitution allows for the suspension of citizenship for Hungarians who possess another citizenship outside of the European Union and could be deemed a threat to national security.

The amendments echo legislation passed last month. The constitutional amendments were passed with resounding support in parliament, where Orban’s Fidesz Party holds 135 of 199 seats.

“We’re protecting children’s development, affirming that a person is born either male or female, and standing firm against…foreign interference,” Orban wrote on X.

Orban, who has enjoyed unrivaled popularity in Hungary during his four consecutive terms since 2010, is facing his first possible challenge in opposition leader Peter Magyar. The politician has gained a following in the past year over accusations of corruption leveled at the prime minister and Fidesz.

Orban has denied any wrongdoing and has referred to opposition politicians, judges and journalists as bugs that needed to be removed from society.