The Hungarian National Assembly adopted the 15th constitutional amendment to the Fundamental Law on Monday, passing a range of new provisions with a strong majority of 140 votes in favor and 21 against. The amendment was signed into law by President Tamás Sulyok later that evening.
The changes to the Fundamental Law include several key points: the clarification that a person is either male or female by birth; the prohibition of drug production, use, distribution, and promotion; the possibility to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals who pose a threat to Hungary’s public order or national security; and the affirmation of the right to pay in cash.
The amendment also strengthens protections for children, stating that their right to physical, mental, and moral development takes precedence over other fundamental rights, with the exception of the right to life.
The proposal was introduced by the governing Fidesz and KDNP parties in March. Supporters of the amendment emphasized the need to reinforce national values, preserve the institution of the family, and preserve Hungarian sovereignty.
According to the amendment, the Hungarian legal system recognizes biological sex as a natural given, defining it as male or female at birth. The law emphasizes the state’s role in protecting this order and supporting the development of society based on these principles.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed the adoption of the amendment, stating, “Hungary’s constitutional amendment is now law. We’re protecting children’s development, affirming that a person is born either male or female, and standing firm against drugs and foreign interference. In Hungary, common sense matters.”
The amendment also addresses emergency powers, specifying that in a state of emergency, the government may only suspend certain laws with the approval of two-thirds of the National Assembly for a fixed period — known as a super majority. This provision will come into effect in January 2026, alongside changes to the rules governing the service of public prosecutors, who will now serve until the age of 70.
During the parliamentary session, members of the far-left Momentum party protested in the chamber by displaying banners and using whistles to disrupt the proceedings. Following the vote, Momentum activists organized a demonstration, attempting to march to the Sándor Palace to urge President Sulyok not to sign the amendment.
Their progress was halted by police near the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, although some demonstrators managed to briefly break through the police line. By the evening, most protesters had left the area.
The majority of the new provisions will take effect the day after publication, while specific measures related to emergency powers and the prosecutor’s office will be implemented at the start of next year.
Secretary of State for International Communication Zoltán Kovács remarked, “These changes are necessary to preserve national sovereignty, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure legal stability amid increasing foreign influence and ideological pressure. This amendment is a reaffirmation that Hungary belongs to Hungarians — legally, culturally, and constitutionally.”
