Shocking deprivation of rights for trans and intersex people in Hungary
Changes of civil status and first names are prohibited
Despite international and national protests, the Hungarian parliament yesterday passed a law that retrospectively forbids changing the "biological sex" registered at birth. Axel Hochrein, board member of the Lesbian and Gay Federation (LSVD):
With this cruel law, Hungary deprives trans and intersex people of basic rights. The Lesbian and Gay Federation (LSVD) is shocked at the contempt that underlies this law. It exposes trans and intersex people to discrimination, harassment and violence every time they have to identify themselves - be it with their driving licence, credit card, library card or when applying for jobs. LSVD calls for a sharp and public condemnation by Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas and urges to summon the Hungarian ambassador. Hungarian President János Áder should not sign this law, but should submit it to the Hungarian Constitutional Court for examination.
For years Hungary has continuously ignored the EU's canon of values. The law contradicts the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Hungarian Constitutional Court. The transformation of the country into an authoritarian dictatorship is always relentlessly directed against minorities. We can no longer stand idly by and watch.
In addition, Germany should set a good example in the legal recognition of trans and intersex people. The current discriminatory legislation is the main reason why Germany is falling further and further behind in ILGA Europe's "Rainbow Europe" ranking and is now only in 16th place. LSVD demands that a change of first name and civil status be made possible solely on application to the registry office; without humiliating compulsory counselling, expert opinions, medical certificates or legal proceedings.
Shortly before the adoption, Krisztina Kolos (Transvanilla) and Tamás Dombos, (Háttér Society) from Hungary reported on the dramatic consequences that this law will have at the online conference #MutigGegenHass (Courageous Against Hatred).
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