Zselyke Csáky on Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ Regulation in the New York Times

The new Hungarian anti-LGBTQ regulation is a way for ruling party Fidesz to reach the radical wing of the party, CMDS Fellow Zselyke Csáky told the New York Times in a report on the Budapest Pride march.

The article reports many participants in the march believe the law is a sign of increasing authoritarianism in Hungary. Some say it is a way to distract attention from corruption scandals and democratic deficiencies as well as the dire health and economic situation many Hungarians find themselves in in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Csáky, who works for the watchdog Freedom House, is quoted as saying Fidesz “is doing this for its own purposes: they need to reach the radical wing of the party and this is one potential way to do it."

"Many have lost jobs or are in a difficult situation after COVID, and such ideological messaging can work well with them," Csáky said.

The article recalls Hungary’s clashes with the EU over the issue, and cites statistics showing the majority of Hungarians accept homosexuality.

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