Human Rights Campaign on Newly Passed Anti-LGBTQ Laws in Hungary

WASHINGTON - December 16, 2020 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to news today that the Hungarian Parliament passed a package of laws on Tuesday including some that specifically target and discriminate against the LGBTQ community. The new laws bars same-sex couples from adopting children in Hungary.

"The Hungarian Parliament has blatantly and maliciously attacked the human rights of LGBTQ people and their families," said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. "These measures are discriminatory and leaders in Hungary must right this wrong by reversing these antiquated and harmful laws."

Only married couples in Hungary are permitted to adopt children with exceptions made for single people-previously providing a pathway for same-sex couples. The new law defines family as man as the father and a woman as the mother, thereby excluding same-sex couples and making it harder for single parents to adopt. Hungary only recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples, and the ruling Fidesz party opposes allowing legal marriage for same-sex couples.

In May, the country made it illegal for transgender people to change their gender identity on identification documents; and earlier that month Hungary lost points in a ranking of European countries for LGBTQ rights by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) because of "policies targeting LGBTQ communities."

The Háttér Society, a leading LGBTQ advocacy organization in Hungary and part of HRC's global network, addressed why these laws are harmful for all Hungarians citizens and children.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.