Budapest, Hungary, October 2024 – Hungary faces a decision on religious freedom as it faces the challenge of preserving its traditional ties to major religious organizations while dealing with the growing problem of discrimination against minority belief systems. The latest findings from Nazila Ghanea, special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, for the United Nations provide insight into the factors influencing Hungary’s religious environment. During her assessment following an official trip from October 7 to 17, 2024, she noted the widespread difficulties and highlighted particular cases which illustrate the difficulties experienced by minority religious groups.
A historical context that influences current dynamics
Hungary’s history, particularly the restrictive communist era (1949–1989), continues to influence contemporary state religion relations. Despite the adoption of the Basic Law (Constitution) in 2011, which guarantees freedom of conscience and religion (Article VII. (1)), vestiges of past restrictions persist. This historical context was frequently highlighted by interlocutors, including government officials, religious leaders and civil society actors, highlighting the continuing impact on current religious freedoms.
The ecclesiastical law of 2011: a double-edged sword
While the Hungarian Basic Law ostensibly supports religious plurality by stating that “individuals have the right to freely choose, change and practice their religion”, practical implementation through the 2011 Ecclesiastical Law has painted a more shade. Initially welcoming more than 350 religious groups, the Church Law imposed strict criteria, reducing the number of recognized organizations to just 34. Nazila Ghanea observes: “The 2011 Church Law stripped organizations of their legal status, reducing “This centralization has inadvertently marginalized many religious communities, limiting their access to state benefits and fostering an environment of inequality.
Multi-level recognition system: favoritism and exclusion
Hungary uses a four-tier religious recognition system: “Established Churches”, “Registered Churches”, “Listed Churches” and “Religious Associations”. Obtaining “established church” status requires a complex registration process, including a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament – a mechanism criticized for its politicization of religious recognition. This system reinforces favoritism toward established churches such as the Roman Catholic, Reformed, and Evangelical Lutheran Churches, which receive substantial state support for their educational and social initiatives. Smaller, newer religious organizations, such as Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists and some Jewish groups, run up against these strict criteria, facing financial difficulties and legal obstacles to maintaining their operations.
“Minorities”: a specter of discrimination
Various groups face discrimination under the current legal framework:
Roma community and LGBTIQ+ people: Persistent hate speech and social intolerance constitute significant obstacles to the free exercise of religious beliefs. Ghanea notes: “The prevalence of hate speech in Hungarian society…remains a significant obstacle to the free exercise of religion or belief for many minority groups. » Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Hungarian Evangelical Association (MET): These groups face obstacles in accessing public funds intended for community activities and maintaining meeting places. The MET, led by Pastor Gábor Iványi, lost its “established church” status, leading to serious financial difficulties, including the loss of funding for its schools and social services. Despite appeals to national courts and the European Court of Human Rights, the MET has not yet regained its place. Other Minority Religions: Small religious communities such as Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists, and some Jewish factions struggle with systemic bias that hinders their social and religious freedoms, often relying on private donations and community support. community to support their operations.
The Scientology saga: a battle for recognition and rights
Among the beleaguered groups navigating Hungary’s restrictive religious landscape is the Church of Scientology. Ghanea’s report, in addition to the ideas I recently shared in my article titled “Religious Freedom Under Threat: The Case of Scientology in Hungary,” mentions the continuing legal challenges and government control faced by Scientologists. The Hungarian government’s approach, in addition to public attacks by some government officials claiming to be Catholic, and as Ghanea points out in his preliminary report, that “the Church of Scientology has faced searches and legal challenges under Hungarian data protection laws, as well as a long delay in the authorization to maintain its headquarters in Budapest. In my previous article, I highlighted bureaucratic obstacles that members perceive as efforts to delegitimize their faith. This ongoing struggle highlights broader issues within Hungary’s multi-tiered recognition system, disproportionately impacting newer, less traditional religious organizations or even using old communist and German tactics of labeling groups or to present them as suspected of being agents of foreign governments.
Institutional biases and their ramifications
The tiered system of religious recognition perpetuates favoritism and exclusion. Ghanea explains: “Only prominent ‘established churches’ enjoy full legal status and the benefits of state support.” This stratification hinders interfaith solidarity and divides communities within the same religion, creating divisions based on legal status rather than spiritual principles. Moreover, the overlapping responsibilities of the State and the Church gave rise to debates on autonomy and mission. Even if state funding helps religious schools and hospitals, it risks compromising the independence of these institutions, diverting them from their core spiritual missions toward administrative and professional obligations that may not align with their core values. .
Funding disparities: unequal support for religious institutions
In Hungary, state funding favors established churches, exacerbating inequalities between religious groups. Before 2010, religious schools received limited municipal funding. Post-2010 reforms introduced a second source of funding for religious schools, widening the financial gap between religious schools and municipal schools. As a result, church-run institutions now enjoy significantly more funding, from preschool to universities, and dominate child welfare care, with 74% of them church-run . This preferential funding regime, although justified by some as a way to address historical injustices, requires a transparent and objective process to avoid perpetuating discriminatory structures.
Hate speech and social intolerance
Hate speech remains a pervasive problem in Hungarian society, affecting various minority groups. Despite Hungary’s declared zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism, surveys indicate its persistent presence, often manifesting in coded hate speech. Jews say they feel obligated to hide their religious symbols for security reasons. Additionally, anti-Muslim rhetoric, amplified by high-level officials, often intertwines with anti-migrant sentiments, fueling verbal attacks against women wearing headscarves and other marginalized groups. Ghana notes: “The trend toward stigmatization of anti-Muslim speech also comes from senior officials and much of this speech combines strong anti-migrant rhetoric with anti-Muslim hatred. »
Calls for reform and inclusiveness
Ghanea’s preliminary findings highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to dismantle discriminatory structures within Hungarian religious governance. She says: “Continuing concerns raised by international human rights organizations highlight the need for further reforms to ensure that all religious communities in Hungary can operate without discrimination.”
Recommendations include:
Establish a transparent registration process: Abandon politicized approval mechanisms in favor of objective criteria for religious recognition. Decoupling state support from religious status: Ensure that state funding is allocated based on transparent and equitable criteria, rather than favoring established churches. Promote societal tolerance: Combat hate speech and foster an environment in which all religious and belief systems can coexist without prejudice.
The road ahead
Hungary’s progress toward religious freedom faces various obstacles that reflect broader social issues and complex historical events. As they navigate between respecting tradition and embracing modernity in the country’s landscape, the calls from minority groups come across as a clear demand for fairness and acceptance. Ghanea’s next comprehensive report, scheduled for publication in March 2025, is expected to provide analysis and practical suggestions for promoting religious freedom and human rights in Hungary.
Nazila Ghanea concludes her preliminary observations by stating: “These are my preliminary conclusions, and I will submit my report, containing my full observations and recommendations from my visit to Hungary to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025. “His continued engagement with Hungarian authorities underscores their commitment to fostering an environment in which all religious communities can thrive without discrimination.
Hungary’s quest for religious freedom highlights the complex interplay between law, societal attitudes and historical legacy. Combating discriminatory practices and fostering an inclusive environment for all religious and belief systems is imperative for Hungary to realize the true spirit of its Basic Law. The way forward requires a reassessment of existing legal frameworks, viewing diversity not as a threat but as the cornerstone of a truly free and pluralistic society.
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