In brief
Hungarian MPs today voted to remove the 2021 child protection law that had been used to target LGBTQ+ people in education and media, a long‑awaited move by civil‑rights groups. The repeal follows a wider package of reforms by the new government, which also secured the release of €4.2bn in EU funds previously frozen under the former administration. Although the law’s removal is hailed as a victory for human rights, activists say other Orbán‑era restrictions—such as bans on same‑sex marriage and rights for transgender citizens—still require further reform. Prime Minister Péter Magyar praised the change as a sign that his rule represents all Hungarians, while former Fidesz members argue the country must remain conservative on LGBTQ+ content. The decision comes amid a broader shift toward restoring Hungary’s standing in the European Union and reinvigorating the country’s pride celebrations.
After a decisive swing against rural populist policies, Hungary’s parliament today repealed the controversial 2021 child‑protection law that could be used to silence LGBTQ+ communities.
The measure had been a cornerstone of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s hard‑line agenda, targeting “homosexuality or transgenderism” in media and education. Members of civil‑rights groups celebrated the repeal as a win for human rights and a step away from Orbán‑era rhetoric.
The new legislation is part of a larger package that also saw the release of €4.2bn in EU funds previously frozen by the former administration. The European Commission confirmed the breakdown of rule‑of‑law breaches that had hindered Hungary’s participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar pledged that his government would continue to dismantle lingering hard‑line provisions while warning that some reforms, such as full recognition of same‑sex marriages and name‑change rights for transgender citizens, would take longer to reach the parliament.
In a recent interview with the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, Magyar said, “I’m very cautious. As prime minister, it’s my duty to represent all Hungarians, and we have sensitive issues, such as the situation of sexual minorities.”
The Fidesz party and its sister Christian Democrats opposed the changes, with a statement calling for continued restrictions on LGBTQ+ content in schools and media. Freedom of expression advocates say the repeal is a positive step, though they urge further moves towards equality.
Following the vote, Budapest announced that the EU had agreed to release the frozen funds, a signal that Hungary’s relationship with Brussels is gradually normalising after years of criticism over its rule of law policies. This development is expected to help Hungary rebuild trust within the European Union and foster a more inclusive climate for all citizens.
