Hungary’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment targeting dual citizens and the LGBTQ+ community. The vote was 140-21 on April 14.
The amendment lets the government temporarily strip dual citizens of their Hungarian citizenship if they’re deemed a threat to national security or sovereignty. Critics say this move is aimed at George Soros, a billionaire who has criticized Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Fidesz party claims it’s targeting those funding “fake” non-profit organizations.
The amendment also lets the government ban public gatherings by LGBTQ+ groups. The government says this is to protect children’s physical and moral development. Hundreds of Hungarians protested outside parliament, calling it a turning point for the country. David Bedő, an opposition MP, said this was just the first step in a year-long campaign against democratic laws.
Reactions to the Amendment
The opposition has strongly criticized the amendment, saying it targets vulnerable communities. Many Hungarians are worried about what this means for their country. The amendment is part of a larger trend of conservative policies in Hungary. Critics say the government is using national security as an excuse to discriminate.
The international community is watching closely. Human rights groups are likely to speak out against the amendment. The European Union may also get involved, as it has in the past with similar issues.
The source of this information is bbc.