In brief
Hungarian lawmakers recently amended the 2021 child protection law that had banned the portrayal of homosexuality or transgenderism in media and education. The move, welcomed by LGBTQ and human rights groups, removes a key anti‑LGBTQ measure carried out under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The reform also helped unlock €4.2 bn of EU funds that were frozen during the Fidesz era, signalling a shift in Hungary’s EU‑rule‑of‑law compliance. While the Tisza administration is praised for easing restrictions, activists still call for further changes, including recognition of same‑sex marriage and equal adoption rights.
The Hungarian parliament voted on Tuesday to amend the 2021 child protection law that had banned the “portrayal or promotion of homosexuality or transgenderism” in media and education.
The measure, long championed by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, was criticised by LGBTQ activists as a state endorsement of discrimination. The new legislation, supported by the current pro‑EU government, is now seen as a step towards restoring rights for sexual minorities.
The vote also helped unblock €4.2 bn of EU funds that were frozen during the last years of the Fidesz rule. The European Commission said the new government had addressed key rule‑of‑law breaches and urged EU leaders to release the money and re‑induct Hungary into Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
While the law’s repeal is a welcome development, civil‑rights groups highlight that other Orbán‑era restrictions remain. Calls are growing for full recognition of same‑sex marriage, equal adoption rights for same‑sex couples, and the ability for transgender people to change legal names.
The change comes after a year of heightened tension over an attempted ban on Budapest Pride, which ultimately proceeded with minimal restrictions. The new law removes a key bar that had frustrated activists and made Hungary's LGBTQ community feel vulnerable.
“We are very happy that this got adopted,” said Tamás Dombos of civil‑rights group Háttér Society. “It’s a major step forward, but we still need to keep pushing for further reforms.”
Fidesz and its sister Christian Democratic party voted against the amendments, echoing their long‑standing opposition to LGBTQ content in schools and media. Their statement read: “There is no place for the promotion of LGBTQ content in schools or the media.”
