Fact Check: Orbán's Government Has Effectively Banned Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption
What We Know
The claim that Orbán's government has effectively banned same-sex marriage and adoption is supported by several legislative actions taken by the Hungarian government. While homosexuality is legal in Hungary, same-sex marriage remains banned, and same-sex couples do not have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. Registered partnerships for same-sex couples were legalized in 2009, but these do not include the right to adopt children (LGBTQ rights in Hungary).
In December 2020, the Hungarian parliament passed a law that effectively banned same-sex couples from adopting children, explicitly stating that joint adoption by same-sex couples is illegal (BBC). Furthermore, recent amendments to the constitution have allowed the government to impose restrictions on public events that promote LGBTQ+ rights, which has been interpreted as a direct attack on the visibility and rights of the LGBTQ+ community (AP News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust. The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has enacted a series of laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The 2020 law banning same-sex adoption is a clear indication of this trend, as it explicitly prohibits same-sex couples from adopting children (Reuters). Additionally, the recent constitutional amendment passed in March 2025 further solidifies these restrictions by allowing the government to ban public assemblies that promote LGBTQ+ rights (AP News).
Critically assessing the sources, the information comes from reputable news organizations such as the Associated Press, BBC, and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity. These sources provide detailed accounts of the legislative changes and their implications for the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary. The coverage also reflects a consensus among various international observers and human rights organizations regarding the deteriorating situation for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.
However, it is important to note that while same-sex marriage is not legally recognized, the Hungarian government has not completely stripped away all rights from LGBTQ+ individuals. For instance, registered partnerships do provide some legal recognition, albeit limited compared to heterosexual marriages (LGBTQ rights in Hungary). This nuance is essential in understanding the full scope of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Orbán's government has effectively banned same-sex marriage and adoption is accurate. The combination of the ban on same-sex adoption and the constitutional amendments aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights demonstrates a clear and systematic effort by the Hungarian government to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. While some legal recognition exists through registered partnerships, the overall legislative environment under Orbán's administration has significantly curtailed the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community.
