Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to enshrine a prohibition on “Pride” events, paving the way for authorities to use facial recognition to identify attendees.
The amendment, backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his populist right-wing Fidesz party, codifies only two sexes in the constitution, providing grounds to deny certain gender identities.
A new provision also permits the suspension of Hungarian citizenship for dual nationals deemed a security threat, alarming rights groups such as the Hungarian Helsinki Committee.
They describe the measures as “legislating fear” and argue the amendment erodes democratic norms in the EU member state.
Protests erupted outside parliament, with Momentum, an opposition party, comparing Orbán’s measures to Russian-style restrictions. Demonstrators rallied against what they see as an authoritarian power grab.
International condemnation swiftly followed, including a statement by 22 European embassies warning of curbs on peaceful assembly.
Despite the ban, organizers of Budapest Pride plan to proceed with their June 28 march, calling the legislation “fascism, not child protection.”
Opponents fear the constitutional changes will further hamper free expression and silence dissent ahead of looming elections, in which Orbán faces a serious challenge from ex-Fidesz insider Péter Magyar.
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Source: Associated Press, FRANCE24, Reuters, DW, Guardian