Parlament to ban demonstrations in front of politicians’ homes

A pro-government constitutional lawyer dismisses accusations by the opposition that the Fidesz-dominated Parliament intends to curb the freedom of assembly.
The latest amendment to the constitution makes it the duty of the authorities to protect ‘the calm of family homes’ and declares that the exercise of the right of assembly cannot hurt ‘other people’s private lives’. Parliament has since opened the debate on the law on the right of assembly to adjust it in line with the principles laid down in the Fundamental Law.

In Magyar Idők, Attila Magyar-Zsolnay argues that both the right of assembly and the right to privacy and undisturbed private life are fundamental in any democratic society and the Parliament’s job is to guarantee that they should not be exercised to the detriment of each other. In practice, he explains, that will mean that demonstrations held late at night should not make excessive noise and that the families of public personalities against whom protest rallies may be directed should be protected against insults. He admits that the issue is a delicate one and Parliament must walk a thin line in order to get the best of both worlds.

Tags: Parliament, right of assembly