“The basis for family relations is marriage,” it states. Draft language submitted last month states that children must be raised “in accordance with the values based on our homeland’s constitutional identity and Christian culture.” Szájer’s resignation comes as the Hungarian Parliament is considering a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex couples from adopting. “It is true, however, that he did not speak up against growing homophobia and transphobia in recent months and years.” “The Fidesz European Parliament delegation under his leadership voted significantly more progressively than did his fellow party members back in Hungary,” Dombos said. That same year, Szájer was the only Fidesz politician who spoke out against the police for banning Budapest Pride, Dombos added. “Back in 2011, he stated publicly that he personally does not agree with the inclusion of a heterosexual definition of marriage in the Fundamental Law, although he did not leave the drafting committee when such a provision was finally included,” Dombos told NBC News.
While some reports have claimed he personally added that amendment, Hungarian gay activist Tamás Dombos said Szájer's role in its addition is complicated. He also had a key role in drafting Hungary’s controversial 2012 Constitution, which defined marriage as “the union of a man and a woman.” Szájer’s wife is Tunde Hando, a member of Hungary’s Constitutional Court and the former director of the National Judiciary Office.Ī founding member of Fidesz, Szájer was the head of the party’s delegation to the European Parliament and served on its legal affairs committee.
“We acknowledge his decision, just as we acknowledge that he has apologized to his family, his political community and to the voters.” In a statement, Fidesz’s European Parliament delegation praised Szájer’s stepping down as “the only right decision.” In November, the two nations united to veto the E.U.'s trillion-euro budget and coronavirus recovery package because it is tied to member countries' adherence to the rule of law and European values. efforts to address immigration and LGBTQ rights. "Those who are on the battlefield must be in a state of combat," he said.Īlong with Poland, Hungary has rejected E.U. Pledging continued support for Orbán, Szájer admitted ongoing strife between Hungary and the European Union had taken a toll on his mental health. It’s not mine, I don’t know who placed it and how.” “I will take the sanctions that come with it.” He denied using any narcotics, claiming to have offered to take a drug test on the spot. “I am sorry that I have broken the rules of assembly, this was irresponsible on my part,” he said. In a statement Tuesday to the Hungarian press, Szájer apologized for violating social distancing regulations. Szájer was arrested, but tried to claim European parliamentary immunity, police said, leading to the involvement of Belgium’s foreign ministry.Īccording to the Times of London, others arrested at the party included diplomats linked to the conservative European People’s Party, of which Szájer was vice-chair and chief whip. Unable to produce identification, Szájer was escorted by police to his residence, where he presented a diplomatic passport that confirmed his identity.