Hungary amends constitution; religious-freedom concerns
March 12, 2013
Ignoring domestic protests and opposition from the European Union and the United States, the Hungarian parliament has voted to amend the nation’s constitution.
The lengthy fourth amendment, according to the BBC, states that "marriage and the parent-child relationship form the basis of the traditional family."
In addition, “rights activists fear the end of religious freedom as faith groups need parliamentary approval to be recognized as churches,” Vatican Radio reported. “Among the requirements is their collaboration with the state.”
The amendment, according to news reports, makes homelessness a crime and limits election campaign advertising to state media, raising concerns about a return to totalitarianism.
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Further information:
- Hungary's Parliament to vote on changes to constitution (Vatican Radio)
- Q&A: Hungary's controversial constitutional changes (BBC)
- Deaf to critics, Orban changes Hungary's constitution (AFP)
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Posted by: WBSM -
Mar. 12, 2013 4:56 PM ET USA
Bad news reporting all over the English media. Marriage between a man and a woman has been in the constitution since the beginning. The added text was "the basis of family is marriage and parent child relationship." About the churches and their "recognition" the news are also flawed and even the vatican radio fell for it.
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Posted by: larindoggieland5449 -
Mar. 12, 2013 11:58 AM ET USA
God bless and protect a Catholic Hungary! Communist Hungary Rest in Peace.
