Hungarian government to BAN GENDER STUDIES because employers ‘SHOW NO INTEREST’ in subject
THE HUNGARIAN government is seeking to ban the teaching of gender studies in schools through new legislation because employers allegedly show little or no interest in the subject.
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But critics of Viktor Orban’s hardline cabinet, along with university professors, say the move would set a ‘dangerous precedent’ for state interference – and the freedom of all education courses offered in universities.
They claim the ban is part of a wider campaign by the hardline leader to attack organisations or institutions that oppose his ruling Fidesz party and its strict conservative, anti-ethnic values.
Gender studies professor Andrea Peto, of the Central European University (CEU) - one of two education establishments that could be affected by the ban – said any attempt to outlaw the subject violated the Hungarian constitution, which protects the freedom of learning, education and research.
He said that any attempt to ban gender studies would affect people’s right to engage with education and higher learning in a free capacity.
Mr Peto told the Telegraph: “Never before has the government sought to legislate the curriculum of universities without consultation with the appropriate universities institutions, Hungarian accreditation committee and the higher educational planning council.
“It also sets a dangerous precedent for state intervention in all other university courses.”
The CEU and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTA) – the only two institutions in Hungary offering gender studies, were given 24 hours to respond to the government proposal.
Critics also believe the government’s targeting of the subject stems from strict Christian and family values upheld in the country and Mr Orban’s desire to maintain a society based on hardline, unwavering Christian values.
In July, the hardline president hit out at the Western political establishment and said next year’s European parliament election could bring to power “illiberal Christian democracy” - and end decades of multiculturalism.
Mr Orban said the Western political "elite" of the EU had failed to protect the bloc from Muslim immigration and it was time for them to go.
Addressing ethnic Hungarians in Baile Tusnad in Romania, Mr Orban said: "The European elite is visibly nervous.
“Their big goal to transform Europe, to ship it into a post-Christian era, and into an era when nations disappear - this process could be undermined in the European elections.
“And it is our elementary interest to stop this transformation."