KDNP criticizes rejection of child protection legislative proposal

Csaba Latorcai, Executive Vice President of the KDNP, criticized the Hungarian Parliament's Social Committee for failing to include the party's child protection legislative proposal on its agenda. Latorcai expressed frustration that the Tisza Party did not support what he described as a “real, ideology-free child protection proposal,” labeling the Tisza Party's own similar initiatives as harmful because they allegedly allow for “gender lobbying.”

Latorcai argued that the government's proposal aims to prevent sexual propaganda in schools, specifically regarding topics such as gender identity and homosexuality, asserting that child-rearing should remain the sole responsibility of parents. Additionally, the KDNP proposal includes measures for digital protection, such as mandatory warnings on digital devices regarding their harmful effects on children under six, and restricting social media access for those under 13, with parental consent required for those aged 13 to 16.

The legislative push follows a 10 billion forint child protection crisis program intended to combat sexual exploitation and inappropriate content. However, the debate occurs against the backdrop of a European Court of Justice ruling that found parts of Hungary's 2021 child protection law to be in violation of EU values, including freedom of expression and human dignity.