Fidesz Communications Director István Hollik said Hungary's spring referendum on child protection is aimed at creating consensus on the issue and could serve as a "pre-emptive strike against gender ideology".
Hollik told a conference that Hungary was the first country in Europe to hold a referendum on child protection, calling it a critical national issue. Róbert Répássy, a state secretary at the justice ministry, said the referendum could also serve as a guideline for improving and strengthening Hungary’s existing child protection laws. The government attaches great importance to child protection and fighting child sexual abuse, he said, adding that they acknowledged that parents had the exclusive right to decide how to educate their children on issues as sensitive as sexuality. Hungary’s child protection law is solely about the education and protection of children and is not aimed at discriminating against anyone, Répássy said, adding that the law did not apply to adults. Because Hungary’s constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination, the country protects human rights at the highest possible level, he argued.
In a video message, Fidesz MEP Lívia Járóka said any attempt to deny parents their right to raise their children as they wish should be spoken against.
Photo credit: Facebook/Szent István Intézet