Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced plans to amend the country's child protection law, a piece of legislation that has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels and LGBTQ+ rights groups since its adoption in 2021. The announcement comes after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in April that the law breached EU law by discriminating against LGBTIQ+ people.
The original law, introduced under Viktor Orbán's government, was framed as a measure to protect minors from paedophilia. However, it was later amended to effectively ban the depiction of homosexuality to minors, a move that critics said conflated homosexuality with paedophilia and stigmatised the LGBTIQ+ community.
The legislation led to books, newspapers, and films being removed from shelves and television schedules across Hungary. International pressure mounted, and the European Commission launched an infringement procedure against Budapest. In its April ruling, the ECJ found that the law treated LGBTIQ+ people as a threat to society, violated their human dignity, and risked contributing to their social exclusion.
Speaking to national radio on Monday, Magyar said the amended law would restrict minors' access to violent and sexual content while removing discriminatory provisions 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," he said.
Unlocking EU funds
The move is part of a broader effort by Magyar's government, which took office in April after ending 16 years of Fidesz rule, to repair relations with the EU and NATO. In May, Magyar struck a deal with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to release €16.4 billion in previously frozen EU funds for Hungary. The child protection law amendments are seen as a key step to unlock further funding.
"We could unlock half a billion euros for educational support," Magyar said. He also noted that child protection, healthcare, and education remain top priorities for his government.
The ECJ has also fined Hungary €1 million per day for systemic breaches of its migration system, a ruling that has so far cost the country around €1 billion. Magyar's government is keen to avoid additional penalties.
The amendments are expected to be presented to parliament later on Monday. The European Commission, responding to a request for comment, said it was too early to assess the proposed changes but confirmed it remains in close contact with the Hungarian government on the issue.
This development follows Hungary's new PM plans to overhaul adoption rules, signalling a broader shift in social policy under the new administration. The government has also been working on rule-of-law reforms to unlock €4.2bn in EU funds.
Observers note that the amendment could have significant implications for Hungary's relationship with the EU, as well as for the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in the country. While the government frames the changes as a strengthening of child protection, critics will be watching closely to ensure that the discriminatory elements are fully removed.
