Hungary's 15th Constitutional Amendment (2025)

The package adopted by the National Assembly of Hungary on 14 April 2025 introduces amendments across various topics including gender definition, LGBT+ activities, child rights, citizenship practices, drug control, cash payment rights, internal migration and extraordinary state regulations like.

National Assembly of Hungary – Anadolu Agency

Legislative Process

The constitutional amendment proposal presented by Hungary’s ruling Fidesz–KDNP coalition was adopted on 14 April 2025 with 140 votes in favor and 21 against. The approved amendments constitute the 15th official revision package of the current constitution which came into effect in 2011.

Constitutional Amendments Made

Definition and Legal Status of Gender

The new provision enshrines in the constitution that a person’s gender is determined by biological characteristics at birth and can only be legally recognized as “male” or “female.” The state’s obligation to protect this “natural order” is explicitly stated, and legal recognition of gender transition is clearly prohibited. This judgment continues the 2020 regulation which stipulated that only women could adopt children and men could not mother, father.

Ban on LGBT+ Gatherings and Demonstrations

The constitutional amendment provides a constitutional basis for banning all public events organized by LGBT+ communities. In this context, the annual Pride march in Budapest has been prohibited, with organizers and participants who violate the ban facing fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately 546 US dollars). Security units have been granted authority to identify participants using surveillance technology facial recognition.

Children’s Rights and Priority Clause

According to the added constitutional provision, the right to conditions necessary for the physical, mental and moral development of children is prioritized above all other individual rights except the right to life. This substance permits restrictions on rights such as freedom of assembly and expression on grounds of child protection opportunity.

Drug Use and Distribution

The amendment constitutionally prohibits the production, distribution, use and promotion of drugs. This provision elevates to constitutional level the “Drug-Free Hungary” policy that has been in effect since 2013.

Suspension of Citizenship

The new provision enables the suspension of Hungarian citizenship for individuals found to threaten public order, public security or national security, provided they also hold citizenship of a country outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. Suspension may last up to ten years and is applied at the individual level; collective revocation of citizenship is not permitted law.

Local Identity and Internal Migration

Another provision in the new constitutional text states that the right of individuals to choose their place of residence must not infringe upon the right of local communities to preserve their identity. This regulation aims to safeguard the demographic structure and traditional way of life in rural and small settlements.

Changes to Emergency Powers

Under the new provision, the government’s power to suspend laws during a declared “danger state” is limited. While the government may continue to exercise emergency powers during a war situation, in other crisis scenarios, the use of such powers requires the approval of two-thirds of the National Assembly. The term of office for the Chief Prosecutor has also been capped at 70 years of age (excluding the Chief Prosecutor).

Implementation Schedule

The majority of the constitutional amendments entered into force one day after their publication in the Official Gazette. Provisions concerning the Chief Prosecutor and emergency management are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026.