OHCHR urges Hungary to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ legislation – JURIST
The UN Office of the Higher Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday urged Hungary to repeal the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed on Tuesday. OHCHR describes the legislation as a severe violation of basic rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
According to OHCHR, the legislation undermines the rights to freedom of expression and non-discrimination. It specifically targets educational materials related to LGBTQ+ issues, limiting access to information for young people. The bill, which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban describes as a measure for child protection, also controversially bans pride marches and public gatherings involving LGBTQ+ individuals. The statement emphasized that such measures perpetuate stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, further marginalizing an already vulnerable community.
The bill was passed on Tuesday by an exceptional procedure under section 61 of the National Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, which bypasses parliamentary debates and amendments.
Hungary has faced scrutiny over its encroachment on LGBTQ+ rights and erosion of democratic norms. In 2020, the Parliament passed Article 33, which required citizens to report their “sex assigned at birth” and prevented transgender and intersex people from legally changing their gender. In 2021, the administration passed another piece of legislation prohibiting education and media portraying homosexuality or gender reassignment from being displayed to children. Last year, over 30,000 people marched to support LGBTQ+ protections in Budapest, including ambassadors from various countries. Hungary’s laws have raised alarm amongst international organizations, including the EU and Amnesty International.
The OHCHR has called upon Hungary to uphold its international commitments, protect human rights, and foster an inclusive environment for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
