Tisza government pushes child-protection bill to strip anti-LGBT provisions amid strong public backing

The Tisza government filed a sweeping child-protection amendment that would excise language concerning transgender identity and homosexuality from the 2021 legislation, a move framed as both moral and pragmatic. Szabó Andrea and Dombos Tamás, speaking on one outlet, pointed to recent Medián poll results showing a significant drop in homophobic sentiment and a clear majority supporting adoption by same-sex couples. They also referenced a 57% share of respondents who consider reversing the Fidesz-era measures necessary.

The bill is presented as a way to satisfy the European Commission, which has threatened a fine and a court case that could cost Hungary up to half a billion euros in EU education funds. While the government emphasizes child welfare, the Háttér Társaság criticised the lack of dialogue with NGOs and noted that other anti-LGBT provisions, such as those governing adoption permissions and gender-identity discrimination, were left intact. The discussion also touched on the possibility of addressing civil partnerships, with examples from Ireland and Switzerland cited as precedents.