Parliament starts removing anti-LGBT+ laws

Hungary's parliament has begun removing laws that restricted LGBT+ rights, which were introduced during the time of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. These laws were previously criticized by the European Court of Human Rights.

New majority supports repeal

Since Tuesday, October 13, deputies in the parliament—now with a majority favoring European Union policies—have started to repeal these laws from the nationalist era. One recent vote saw 139 members support the repeal and 51 oppose it.

Ban on discussing gender identity lifted

One of the laws being removed prohibited, since 2021, the discussion of homosexuality and gender identity with minors, under the name of "child protection." This law has now been abolished by parliamentary decision.

First sign of policy change

Observers note that this is the first clear sign of a shift in policy regarding the rights of LGBT+ people since the election of Peter Magyar, the current Prime Minister. The move reflects a potential change in direction after years of conservative policies.

EU welcomes the change

The European Union has welcomed this change as an "important signal of commitment to [European] common values," emphasizing that the rights of LGBT+ people are fundamental within the EU. The new government has framed the changes as reinforcing existing child protection rules rather than restoring rights.

New president elected

Andras Baka, a former judge who opposed Orban, has been elected President of Hungary. His election is seen as part of a broader political shift in the country.