Hungary

Dismantling the rights of LGBTIQ people has been a key pillar of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government since taking office in 2010, especially as he and the government increasingly pivot to Russia. Although same-sex sexual relations are legal and same-sex couples may enter into registered partnerships, same-sex marriage is banned by the Hungarian constitution. Discrimination and hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity are illegal, but harassment and violence still regularly occur. Public opinion remains mixed, but it shows growth toward stronger support for fairness and equality. This is due to a vibrant and dynamic LGBTIQ civil society and their commitment to a Hungary that is safe and equal for all.

In 2020, Hungary passed a bill, introduced on March 31, or Transgender Day of Visibility, that makes it impossible for transgender and intersex people to change their legal gender markers. Four years later, in March 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a historic ruling, which found Hungary’s requirement of surgery for gender identity recognition constitutes an unjustifiable restriction on fundamental rights, setting a key precedent across Europe.

In 2021, Hungary passed a law similar to Russia’s “gay propaganda” law that prohibits LGBTIQ content for children and portrayals of LGBTIQ people in the media. The law has created a chilling effect, as well as further entrenched negative stereotypes and discrimination. It prompted international condemnation, a lawsuit by the European Commission—the first of its kind—and the freezing of European Union funds to the country. In 2022, coinciding with parliamentary elections, Hungary held an “LGBT in Education” referendum that sought to limit school content on homosexuality and transgender issues. Through a robust and successful campaign, led by the LGBTIQ movement, voters spoiled their ballots to ensure the number of valid votes did not exceed the 50 percent threshold and defeated the referendum. On March 18, 2025, parliament passed a bill that makes organizing public Pride events a criminal offense.

*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.