Hungary Repeals Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Law, Unlocks €4.2 Billion in EU Funds

Hungary's parliament has voted to repeal the key provisions of the controversial 2021 child protection law that restricted LGBTQ rights, marking a sharp policy reversal under new Prime Minister Peter Magyar. A total of 139 MPs voted in favour of the changes, with 51 against.

What the Law Had Done

The 2021 law, introduced by former PM Viktor Orbán, officially aimed at child protection but was widely criticised for equating homosexuality with child abuse and banning LGBTQ-related content in books, films and public spaces. Books covering LGBTQ themes for children had to be sold wrapped in black plastic in bookshops. Pride parades were also banned under the legislation. The European Court of Justice ruled in April this year that the law violated common EU values.

EU Funds Unfrozen

In a related development on the same day, EU member states voted to unfreeze €4.2 billion in cohesion funds that had been blocked since late 2022 specifically because of the law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "A new chapter begins today. For Hungary and for Europe." The new amendment also strengthens genuine child protection measures, including protections from pornographic and violent content in public and virtual spaces.

Magyar's Reform Agenda

Peter Magyar, who came from within Orbán's Fidesz party but broke sharply with his mentor, won parliamentary elections in April. He has promised to reverse the authoritarian features of the Orbán state, reduce corruption, and normalise Hungary's often hostile relationship with the EU. The repeal of the anti-LGBTQ provisions is seen as a significant early signal of his reform agenda. More world news.