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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced amendments to the country’s so-called child protection law, which has faced longstanding criticism from Brussels and LGBTQ+ rights groups over its discriminatory provisions.
The law was initially adopted in 2021 under Viktor Orbán’s government as a measure to protect minors from paedophilia. It was subsequently amended to effectively prohibit the depiction of homosexuality to minors, on the grounds that such content could pose a risk of paedophilia.
The legislation led to books, newspapers and films being pulled from shelves and television schedules. Following protests from international gay rights organisations, the European Commission launched an infringement procedure against Hungary.
In April this year, the European Court of Justice ruled that the law breached EU law, finding that it treated LGBTIQ+ people as a threat to society, violated their human dignity, and risked contributing to their social exclusion.
Speaking to a national radio on Monday morning, Magyar said the amended law would restrict minors’ access to violent and sexual content while removing discrimination against sexual minorities.
“There is a good chance that the amendment of the law, in addition to much stronger protection of children, will also allow Hungary to avoid the fine,” Magyar said.
In a separate 2024 ruling, the European Court of Justice fined Hungary €1 million a day for systemic breaches of its migration system, which restricted access to asylum. The ruling has so far cost Hungary around €1 billion.
Magyar said that child protection, healthcare and education remained key priorities for his government, which took office in April after bringing 16 years of rule by Orbán’s right-wing, Eurosceptic Fidesz party to an end.
Magyar, who has made restoring relations with the EU and NATO a key priority, struck a deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in May to release €16.4 billion in previously frozen EU funds for Hungary. He said the amendments to the child protection law were aimed at unlocking further funding.
“We could unlock half a billion euros for educational support,” he said.
In response to a request for comment from Euronews, the European Commission said it was too early to assess the proposed amendments, but confirmed that it remained in close contact with the Hungarian government on the issue. The amendments are expected to be presented to parliament later on Monday.
Over the weekend, Magyar also announced plans to relax restrictions on adoption by same-sex couples, which had been effectively prohibited under Orbán’s government.