Orban wants vote on LGBTQ law: “For the future of our children”

In the EU there is great outrage over the controversial LGBTQ law, now the Hungarian government wants to question the people. Several opposition parties have called for a boycott.

Brussels has been attacking Hungary for weeks because of the “Child Protection Act” – said Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a Facebook address. And that’s why the Hungarian government will organize a referendum: “Brussels bureaucrats threaten us, initiate infringement proceedings, or they abuse their own power. The commitment is for the future of our children. That is why we must not give in on this issue. When the pressure on our homeland is so big, then Hungary can only defend the common will of the people. That is why the government has decided that we should initiate a referendum with five questions. ”

For example, the question is: “Do you agree that sexual orientation is discussed in public educational institutions without parental consent” or the question: “Do you support gender reassignment surgery for children to be popularized?”

Review: Orban wants to distract

The Hungarian opposition reacted with sharp criticism to the announced referendum. The main tenor: Orban would like to divert attention from other issues, such as the “Pegasus Affair”, which may involve state surveillance attacks.

Klara Dobrev of the Democratic Coalition criticizes: “He is initiating a referendum on problems that do not exist. And against enemies that do not exist. And he only does this so that he does not have to talk about key issues. He has to deal with dishonorable, lawless people , Hungarian citizens such as journalists, lawyers, politicians and business people are being monitored by illegal means. ” In addition, the EU has canceled its subsidies. The Hungarian government can no longer distribute this money to its oligarchs and families.

The opposition momentum movement is calling for a boycott: In this “hateful referendum” one should not take part, according to a statement by the party on Facebook.

More than 50 percent have to participate

Referendums in Hungary are only legally binding if more than 50 percent of those eligible to vote participate. In this case, parliament has 180 days to draft a corresponding law.

In 2016, the Hungarian government had a referendum on the EU-wide distribution of refugees. The vote was invalid because only 43 percent of the electorate voted. More than 98 percent of the votes cast support the government’s position.

Orban: “Together we will do it”

A success that Orban also mentions in the Facebook address: “I ask you that we answer these questions together with ‘No’. Just as we did five years ago: We said ‘No’ when Brussels-Hungary Wanted to impose immigrants. A referendum and a common will of the people stopped Brussels. Once we did it. Together we will do it again. ”

It is not yet known when the announced referendum will take place. According to estimates, it will take until spring 2020 before all formal criteria for a referendum have been implemented. However, parliamentary elections are scheduled in Hungary in the spring, and according to the constitution, referendums are not permitted in Hungary 41 days before and after elections.