In Hungary, the Constitution and an omnibus bill that would prevent LGBTQIA+ couples from adopting children are currently being considered and will be voted on from 14-15 December.
Amnesty International is concerned that the proposed measures would further undermine the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people, including right to a private and family life and the right to protection from discrimination, and negatively affect children’s right to live in a family, to their gender identity, and their parents’ right to impart education according to their religion or belief.
The proposals include that only married couples should be allowed to adopt children, while single people can adopt by special permission of the Minister for Family Affairs. Same-sex marriage is not legalised in Hungary, and same-sex partnerships do not contain adoption rights, thus preventing LGBTI people from adopting children. It would also restrict children’s gender identity to their sex assigned at birth and ensures an upbringing that “reflects the values based on Hungary’s constitutional identity and Christian culture.
Amnesty International Australia has called on Foreign Minister Marise Payne to urgently meet with Hungarian Ambassador to Australia to discuss these harmful proposals.
