The Hungarian National Assembly adopted the 15th constitutional amendment to the Basic law on Monday, April 14th. The amendment was passed with the votes of the ruling parties’ MP, with the deputies of all opposition parties voting against it, with the exception of the Democratic Coalition and Jobbik, who did not participate in the vote. The amendment was signed into law by President Tamás Sulyok last night.
As we reported yesterday, the amendment includes provisions that stipulate that a person is either male or female at birth, and that biological sex at birth cannot be changed legally. The amended constitution now also allows for the suspension of the Hungarian citizenship of dual nationals who pose a threat to Hungarian national security and sovereignty; and it also explicitly prohibits the production, selling, use and promotion of drugs.
The amended Basic Law specifically states that the right of children to physical, mental, and moral development takes precedence over other fundamental rights, with the exception of the right to life.
Prime Minister Orbán welcomed the adoption of the amendment, stating,
Hungary’s constitutional amendment is now law. We’re protecting children’s development, affirming that a person is born either male or female, and standing firm against drugs and foreign interference. In Hungary, common sense matters.
The MPs of the liberal opposition Momentum protested during the vote in the House, attempting to disrupt the proceedings, and then also took part in a demonstration outside Parliament, trying to place it “under blockade.” Protesters then also attempted to march to the presidential Sándor Palace in the Buda Castle, to urge President Sulyok not to sign the amendment, but police prevented them from crossing over to Buda.
