Hungarian Parliament Reverses Orbán-Era Anti-LGBTQ Provisions

On July 13, 2026, the Hungarian National Assembly voted 139-51 to amend the 2021 “child protection” law that had banned the “portrayal” or “promotion” of sexual and gender diversity to minors. The governing Tisza party, holding a two-thirds majority, passed the bill without opposition support.

Hungary to reverse Orban-era anti-LGBTQ legislation

The 2021 law was introduced under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and framed as a measure against paedophilia. In practice it prohibited any positive depiction of LGBTQ + identities to children and later served as the legal basis for banning annual Pride marches. The European Court of Justice ruled in April that the law violated “the very identity” of the European Union, prompting EU pressure for reform.

Euronews

The opposition Fidesz party accused the government of “neutering” the original law under EU pressure.

Euronews

Rights activist Tamas Dombos of the Hatter Society noted that while the homophobic and transphobic provisions have been removed, many discriminatory statutes remain, including those that block legal recognition for transgender people and adoption by same-sex couples. Human Rights Watch warned that the amendment does not address discriminatory language in Hungary’s constitution (the Fundamental Law) or the Freedom of Assembly Act, which continue to restrict Pride and other LGBTQ-related assemblies. Activists stress that further legislative changes are needed to fully align Hungarian law with EU standards.

Hungary to reverse Orban-era anti-LGBTQ legislation Euronews

• “But there is still a lot to do,” — Tamas Dombos, rights activist — Tamas Dombos, rights activist

Euronews