Fridae

Hungary’s parliament approved changes to its child-protection legislation on 13 October, advancing a reform package proposed after years of criticism over restrictions on LGBTQ+ content.

The government confirmed the vote in an announcement on Tuesday. Its account describes new standards for programme age ratings and advertising, with restrictions on pornography, sexual exploitation and other material seriously harmful to children’s development.

The package’s LGBTQ+ significance was set out by Human Rights Watch on 16 September. Assessing the proposal submitted two days earlier, the organisation said it would remove provisions restricting the portrayal or promotion of sexual and gender diversity from child-protection, media, advertising and education laws. The restrictions dated from 2021, under Viktor Orbán’s government.

Hungarian rights groups welcomed the proposed changes while pressing for a wider reform. On 29 September, Háttér Society said it had joined Amnesty International Hungary and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee in sending additional amendments to MPs and government members.

The government’s announcement gives no date for the changes to take effect. The adopted text will be needed to establish which provisions parliament approved.