Hungary Amends Constitution to Define Two Genders

Hungary's parliament has amended the constitution to define a person strictly as either male or female, effectively excluding non-binary identities from legal recognition. This change, supported by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, passed with 140 votes in favor and 21 against, amidst protests from opposition members and supporters outside the parliament. Critics argue that this amendment undermines the right to freedom of assembly, especially in light of a prior ban on Pride parades, which the government justified as protecting children's welfare. The amendment also elevates the protection of children's mental and moral development to a fundamental right, suggesting it supersedes other rights. This constitutional change marks the 15th amendment since 2011, reflecting Orban's ongoing culture war against LGBTQ rights. The government's actions have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and opposition leaders.