Hungary’s parliament on Monday passed an amendment to the constitution that allows the government to ban public events by LGBTQ+ communities, a decision that legal scholars and critics call another step toward authoritarianism by the populist government.

Hungary's parliament has backed a range of constitutional amendments which will limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people and dual nationals. The amendments, which the government says are aimed at protecting children's physical and moral development, will enable it to ban public LGBTQ+ gatherings.

The changes seek to bolster Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s base as opposition pressure mounts.