The recent constitutional amendment in Hungary mandates a binary gender identity, intensifying the ongoing culture war under Prime Minister Orban, while also curtailing LGBTQ+ events.
Hungary's Orban Enforces Gender Binary in New Constitutional Changes
Hungary's Orban Enforces Gender Binary in New Constitutional Changes
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government implements an amendment to restrict gender identity, aiming to rally conservative support amid rising opposition.
In a significant move that reflects his conservative agenda, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his ruling Fidesz party passed a controversial constitutional amendment on Monday, declaring that all citizens of Hungary shall be recognized solely as either male or female. This decision follows a visible trend in Orban's government to bolster support among the conservative segment of the population, notably ahead of the upcoming elections in 2026.
Orban framed this amendment as a necessary response to what he terms “gender madness” permeating international contexts. He indicated that the re-election of Donald Trump had inspired a shift in favor of conservative policies, suggesting a resurgence of traditional values. “The international gender network must take its hands off our children,” he asserted, reflecting his administration's ongoing agenda to limit discussions and legal recognition of gender diversity.
Along with the gender identity amendment, the legislation included clauses aimed at safeguarding children's "physical, mental and moral development," hearkening back to a recently passed law that prohibits gay pride events, citing them as potential threats to youthful welfare. Additionally, the revised Constitution permits the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals considered a risk to national security, a maneuver that targets those critical of Orban's regime who may have attained foreign citizenship.
This constitutional overhaul is part of Orban's broader initiative to “cleanse” the political environment in Hungary, positioning his government as a defender of conservative norms against perceived threats from liberal ideologies. As the landscape of Hungarian politics evolves, these new measures are likely to galvanize opposition movements while reinforcing the divide in the nation's discourse over identity and rights.
Orban framed this amendment as a necessary response to what he terms “gender madness” permeating international contexts. He indicated that the re-election of Donald Trump had inspired a shift in favor of conservative policies, suggesting a resurgence of traditional values. “The international gender network must take its hands off our children,” he asserted, reflecting his administration's ongoing agenda to limit discussions and legal recognition of gender diversity.
Along with the gender identity amendment, the legislation included clauses aimed at safeguarding children's "physical, mental and moral development," hearkening back to a recently passed law that prohibits gay pride events, citing them as potential threats to youthful welfare. Additionally, the revised Constitution permits the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals considered a risk to national security, a maneuver that targets those critical of Orban's regime who may have attained foreign citizenship.
This constitutional overhaul is part of Orban's broader initiative to “cleanse” the political environment in Hungary, positioning his government as a defender of conservative norms against perceived threats from liberal ideologies. As the landscape of Hungarian politics evolves, these new measures are likely to galvanize opposition movements while reinforcing the divide in the nation's discourse over identity and rights.
