Gay rights in Hungary

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Contents 1 Law against sodomy 2 Protection based on sexual orientation in law 3 Recognition of same-sex couples 4 Gay life in the country 5 See also

[edit] Law against sodomy

Homosexual sex was legalised in 1962; the age of consent was equalized in 2002 by court decision. Homosexuals are not banned from military service. The age of consent has been equal for both heterosexual and homosexual sex since 2002.

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

In 2000, the Constitutional Court recognized that the Constitutional ban on discrimination based on 'other status' covers sexual orientation as well. There exists an anti-discrimination law in the Act on Public Health since 1997. The 2003 Act on Equal Treatment and the Promotion of Equal Opportunities forbids discrimination based on (among others) sexual orientation and sexual identity in the field of employment, education, housing, health, and access to goods and services.

[edit] Recognition of same-sex couples

Hungary is the first ex-communist country which legalized the same-sex partnerships and 5th in the world. Unregistered Cohabitation has been recognised since 1996. It applies to any couple living together in an economic and sexual relationship (common-law marriage), including same-sex couples. No official registration is required. The law gives some specified rights and benefits to two persons living together. These rights and benefits are not automatically given - they must be applied for to the social department of the local government in each case. An amendment was made to the Civil Code: "Partners - if not stipulated otherwise by law - are two people living in an emotional and economic community in the same household without being married." Inheritance and widow-pension is possible.

As of 2006, the Hungarian government (MSZP) is considering openening up full registered partnership benefits for same-sex couples in 2007, which will give partners all the same rights as marriage, except for adoption. Hungarian liberals SZDSZ advocate full civil marriage for same-sex couples. In some cases adoption is legal. According to the polls, 60% of the Hungarians support the full same-sex marriage, and 50% support the jointly adoption.

[edit] Gay life in the country

Hungary is one of the most liberal East European societies. There is an active gay scene in Budapest, and in the rest of the country.

[edit] See also

• Mások (monthly GLBT magazine)
• List of gay-rights organizations#Hungary
• Civil unions in Hungary