Hungary Moves to Scrap Orban-Era LGBT Restrictions

The Hungarian government has submitted a bill to parliament that would repeal the ban on “depicting and promoting homosexuality” and gender transition in media content accessible to persons under the age of 18.

The rules were introduced in 2021 by Viktor Orban’s cabinet, which lost the April elections after 16 years in power. The former prime minister described them as a tool for protecting children, but they were criticized by human rights organizations and the European Union.

In April, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the restrictions violate European law and contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of gay and transgender people. The new Minister of Justice, Marta Gorog, subsequently announced the need to amend the legislation.

The proposed bill, replacing the current rules, prohibits materials that could seriously harm a child’s physical, intellectual, emotional or moral development. Protection is to focus on pornographic and age-inappropriate sexual content, sexual exploitation and abuse of children, incitement and manipulation.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who came to power in April, has promised to restore relations with the EU and address concerns regarding democratic standards and minority rights. He also announced a change to the rules that, in practice, had prevented same-sex couples from adopting children.

(Reuters, bak)