Hungary OK’s conservative constitution

April 19, 2011|Associated Press

BUDAPEST — Hungarian lawmakers approved a socially and fiscally conservative new constitution yesterday that was blasted by rights groups and the political opposition for measures including a ban on gay marriage and protection of the life of a fetus from conception.

Conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban says the constitution will allow the former communist country to complete a transition to democracy and move to an era of sound finances and clean government after years of mismanagement.

Financial analysts have praised provisions meant to push the state deficit below 50 percent of the gross domestic product — from above 80 percent now. The constitution also allows only companies with transparent activities and ownership structures to bid for government contracts.

Hungary’s political opposition and human rights groups say other measures are attempts to limit freedoms.

The constitution protects the life of a fetus from the moment of conception, a move seen as opening the possibility for future restrictions on abortion.

Same-sex couples may legally register their partnerships but marriage is restricted to heterosexual relationships.

Other sections limit the powers of the Constitutional Court and the head of the National Bank of Hungary and tie the modification of tax and pension laws to a two-thirds majority.

Orban’s Fidesz party and its much smaller ally, the Christian Democrats, won a two-thirds parliamentary majority in April 2010, an unassailable majority that has allowed the government to push through legislation practically at will.