Hungarian politician Bence Rétvári criticizes Péter Magyar over adoption reform proposals

Hungarian KDNP parliamentary group leader Bence Rétvári has criticized Péter Magyar following announcements regarding potential changes to adoption regulations. The controversy stems from Magyar’s suggestion that the government may reform rules affecting single individuals and same-sex couples as part of a broader child protection system overhaul.

Rétvári expressed strong opposition to allowing same-sex couples to adopt, arguing that a child’s best interest requires both a father and a mother. He accused Magyar of acting as a “gender activist” and yielding to Western political expectations and progressive ideologies from international organizations.

Under current 2020 regulations, single individuals require special ministerial permission to adopt. Because same-sex marriage is not recognized in Hungary, this framework effectively prevents same-sex couples from adopting together. While Magyar suggested that experts, rather than ministers, should decide what best serves a child's development, Rétvári warned that such shifts could lead to “ideological colonization” and impact relations with the European Union.