Hungarian politicians spark controversy over school career program

Politicians from Fidesz, KDNP, and Mi Hazánk have criticized the Emberség Erejével Alapítvány following a career orientation program at Újpetre Primary School. Critics, including Mi Hazánk leader László Toroczkai and Fidesz deputy Miklós Panyi, accused the foundation of conducting ‘rainbow lobbying’ and attempting to sensitize children to LGBTQ topics.

The controversy stems from a session involving a board game titled ‘Ha nagy leszek’ (If I Grow Up), designed to introduce third and fourth-grade students to various professions. The program aimed to demonstrate that interests and careers are not strictly tied to gender, such as discussing that girls can be firefighters or boys can enjoy the color pink.

The school principal issued a statement denying that the session covered sexual identity, sexual development, or drug use. The principal clarified that the program was an invitation by the school for a career orientation day and that all legal requirements were met, with educators present throughout the session.