Hungary scraps the core of its anti-LGBTQ «child protection» law – the Pride ban question stays open

What was decided According to Euronews (13 October 2026) and gay.ch, Hungary's parliament passed an amendment to the 2021 «child protection» law on 13 October. The ban on portraying or promoting sexual and gender diversity to minors is removed. Instead, the law is to protect under-18s from content that could seriously harm their development. Prime Minister Péter Magyar's governing Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority; Fidesz voted against. The sources do not give the same figures for votes in favour and against.

Why now Magyar says the move aligns Hungary with EU law after the European Court of Justice ruled in April that the 2021 law breaches the Union's values. The European Commission welcomed the vote.

What has not changed Rights groups such as Human Rights Watch point out that the amendment touches neither the discriminatory wording in the constitution nor the assembly law used to ban Pride events. Activists also note that the lack of legal gender recognition for trans people and the ban on adoption by same-sex couples remain. The reports reviewed do not say when the change takes effect or whether further steps follow.

What it means from Switzerland For queer travellers and people with ties to Hungary the picture is better but not settled: whether Budapest Pride will be allowed in future is still open. This piece summarises reporting by Euronews and gay.ch.

Last checked: 26 October 2026