2024. 11. 14. @ CEU, Budapest

International Conference on Marriage Equality

Tickets

Our groundbreaking event at Budapest that brings together leading experts in sociology, law, psychology, religion, and activism to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: marriage equality and the rights of children raised in rainbow families.

Our goal, with the help of these experts, is to explore and initiate meaningful discussions on marriage equality, legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families and their children.

You can expect inspiring talks and lively debates that could shape the future of family law and human rights. Whether you are a professional, an activist, or simply someone committed to equality, this event is for you.

Speakers

Fiona Tasker

Professor of Psichology, Birkbeck University

Brian Heaphy

Professor of Sociology, University of Manchester

Charlotte Patterson

Commonwealth Professor. University of Virginia

Evan Wolfson

Founder,
Freedom to Marry

Frode Grostad

Psychotherapist,
NGO Blue Cross Norway

Geva Shenkman

Clinical Psychologist,
Reichman University

Kristian Eger

Deputy Chairman,
Forskerforbundet

Michael J Rosenfeld

Professor of Sociology, Stanford University

Csilla Faix-Prukner

Psychologist, family and couple therapist, LGBTQI-affirmative counseling

Dr. Eszter Polgári

Director of the Legal Program, Háttér Society

Brian Sheehan

Co-Director of Yes Equality Campaign, Ireland

Tamás Dombos

Sociologist, project coordinator, Háttér Society

Zsuzsa F. Lassú Ph.D.

Associate professor of psychology, Eötvös Loránd University

Yanzi Peng

Director of LGBT Rights Advocacy China, Co-founder of China Marriage Equality Network

Matt Horwood

Director of Communications, Open for Business

Adam Schönberger

Jewish community organiser, cultural manager

Nora Varady

CEO of WeAreOpen

Robert Wintemute

Professor of Human Rights Law, King’s College London

Roman Kuhar

Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana

Henny Bos

Professor of Sexual and Gender Diversity in Families and Youth, University of Amsterdam

Judit Zeller

Senior legal expert at the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union

Judit Takács

Research Professor at the HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences

Schedule

The presentations and panel discussions will be held in English.
We reserve the right to make changes to the program!

Opening commity

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9:00am - 9:15am

Welcome

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9:15am - 9:30am

Pál Márton: Welcome speech

A word from the organizer "Family is family" foundation.

Plenary

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9:30am - 9:50am

Robert Wintemute: The European Convention on Human Rights and Hungarian Law:  Same-Sex Marriage, LGB Expression, Second-Parent Adoption, and Donor Insemination

This presentation will explore the intersection between the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Hungarian law, focusing on key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. It will cover legal challenges and developments related to same-sex marriage, the right to LGB expression, second-parent adoption, and access to donor insemination. By comparing European human rights standards with Hungary's legal framework, the presentation will highlight both the progress and limitations within the national context.

Plenary

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9:50am - 10:20am

Polgári Eszter, Zeller Judit: Legal Barriers for Rainbow Families in Hungary: Adoption, Parenthodd, and the Fight for Equality. Marriage equality in Hungary? Constraints and possibilities in the current constitutional setting.

This presentation will explore the legal and constitutional framework surrounding marriage equality in Hungary. It will examine the current restrictions on same-sex marriage under Hungarian law, as well as the possibilities for reform within the existing constitutional setting. The talk will analyze the impact of national and international legal standards, political discourse, and societal attitudes on the recognition of marriage equality. By addressing both the limitations and potential pathways for change, the presentation will offer a comprehensive view of the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.

Coffee break

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10:20am - 10:40am

Roundtable discussion

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10:40am - 11:30am

Brian Heaphy, Roman Kuhar, Takács Judit: Rainbow families and marriage: the social conditions of recognition.

This presentation will delve into the social factors influencing the recognition of rainbow families and same-sex marriage. It will examine the legal, cultural, and societal conditions that shape the acceptance and acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ families. The talk will explore the challenges rainbow families face in gaining equal rights and societal validation, as well as the progress made in promoting inclusivity and recognition. Through this lens, the presentation aims to highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and the broader implications for social justice.

Interactive workshop

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10:40am - 11:40am

WeAreOpen: Building LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces

Join us for a one-hour event where you can discover our new Inclusive Design service and explore our guide in a playful, yet thought-provoking way. With intriguing characters and engaging topics, our main goal is to break the silence, encourage bold questions, and inspire new perspectives on making workplaces more inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly.

Registration needed! You can register here:

Plenary

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11:30am - 11:50am

Michael J. Rosenfeld: The Liberalization of public support for marriage equality in the US

This presentation will explore the evolving public attitudes towards marriage equality in the United States, focusing on the gradual liberalization of support for same-sex marriage. It will analyze key factors contributing to this shift, such as changing cultural norms, advocacy efforts, and legal milestones like the Supreme Court's decision on Obergefell v. Hodges. The talk will also examine the role of generational differences, political influences, and media in shaping public opinion, offering insights into the broader social transformation around LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S.

Plenary

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11:50am - 12:10am

Henny Bos: 34 year of US longitudinal lesbian family study.

This presentation will review key findings from the 34-year US Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study, one of the longest-running studies of its kind. It will examine the development, well-being, and outcomes of children raised by lesbian parents from birth through adulthood. The talk will highlight significant insights into family dynamics, the impact of societal attitudes, and the psychological and social health of both parents and children. By presenting long-term data, the study offers valuable evidence on the resilience and strengths of lesbian-parent families over multiple decades.

Roundtable discussion

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12:10am - 12:50am

Geva Shenkman, Fiona Tasker: Same-sex Marriage and the Adoption of Children: The Parallel Developments of Equal Rights to Marry and Couple Adoption in the UK. The protective role of gay parenthood across the lifespan of sexual minority individuals.

This presentation will examine the intertwined progress of marriage equality and couple adoption rights for same-sex couples in the UK. It will highlight how legal advancements in both areas have fostered greater equality and protection for LGBTQ+ families. Additionally, the talk will discuss the positive impact of gay parenthood on the well-being and resilience of sexual minority individuals throughout their lives, emphasizing the protective and stabilizing role of inclusive family structures. The presentation will provide insights into the social and legal implications of these developments for the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Plenary

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12:50am - 1:05pm

Charlotte Patterson: Marriage and Parenting Among LGBTQ+ People in the United States

This presentation will explore the evolving landscape of marriage and parenting among LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States. It will cover key legal milestones, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, and their impact on family formation. The talk will examine the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ parents, including adoption, surrogacy, and donor insemination. Additionally, it will highlight research on the well-being of children raised in LGBTQ+ families, addressing misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of legal protections and societal support for these families.

Roundtable discussion

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1:05pm - 1:25pm

Faix-Prukner Csilla, F. Lassú Zsuzsa: LGBT+ parenting in Hungary from psychological point of view.

This presentation will explore LGBT+ parenting in Hungary through a psychological lens, focusing on the unique challenges and strengths of LGBT+ families. It will examine the psychological well-being of both parents and children, addressing issues such as societal stigma, identity development, and family dynamics. The talk will also discuss the impact of legal and social constraints on mental health, as well as the resilience and coping mechanisms developed by LGBT+ parents and their children. By providing psychological insights, the presentation aims to shed light on the lived experiences of LGBT+ families in Hungary.

Lunch break

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1:25pm - 2:00pm

Roundtable discussion

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2:00pm - 2:50pm

Frode Grostad, Schönberger Ádám, Kristian Eger: Marriage Equality and Religion: Evolving Perspectives in Judaism and Christianity

This presentation will explore the evolving views within Judaism and Christianity on marriage equality, focusing on the ways in which religious perspectives on same-sex marriage have shifted over time. It will examine theological debates, scriptural interpretations, and the role of faith communities in either supporting or opposing LGBTQ+ rights. The talk will highlight the growing acceptance in certain religious circles and the tensions that remain between traditional beliefs and modern understandings of equality. By analyzing these changes, the presentation will offer insights into the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human rights.

Roundtable discussion

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2:50pm - 3:50pm

Brian Sheehan, Evan Wolfson, Dombos Tamás, Yanzi Peng: Activism for equality: Winning hearts, minds, and rights in the fight for same-sex marriage.

This presentation will explore the role of activism in advancing the cause of same-sex marriage equality. It will focus on the strategies used by activists to change public opinion, influence policy, and secure legal victories for LGBTQ+ rights. By examining key moments in the fight for same-sex marriage, the talk will highlight how grassroots movements, advocacy campaigns, and public engagement have been instrumental in winning both hearts and minds, as well as achieving legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples. The presentation will offer a comprehensive look at the ongoing journey toward equality.

Coffee break

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3:50pm - 4:10pm

Plenary

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4:10pm - 4:30pm

Matt Horwood, Open For Business: The Economic Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Hungary

This presentation will explore the economic benefits of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in Hungary. It will examine how greater equality and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals can positively impact the country’s economic performance, from increased productivity and innovation to attracting international investments and talent. The talk will also analyze the costs of exclusion, including discrimination's negative effects on mental health, workplace performance, and social cohesion. By presenting data and case studies, the presentation will make a compelling argument for why fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion is not only a social imperative but also an economic opportunity for Hungary.

Plenary

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4:30pm - 4:50pm

Várady Nóra, WeAreOpen: Inclusive Design – A Journey for a Better Workplace

What can the right DEI strategy offer a workplace? How can small but significant steps transform the life of a work community? What are the ways to support LGBTQ+ members in feeling safe and protected? What advantages can a company gain when its leadership takes responsibility for creating an inclusive environment? What development opportunities lie behind inclusive design, and how can this impact an entire society—and the job market? An interactive presentation on WeAreOpen’s new publication.

Roundtable discussion

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4:50pm - 5:40pm

Conclusion, summary

Location

Address: CEU (Közép-európai Egyetem) - Budapest, Nádor u. 15.

Parking: There are a wild variety of parking options near to the University building

Entry: The venue is the central auditorium, registration is required!

Navigation

Our sponsors

This event is sponsored by the Háttér Society. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed at this event are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Háttér Society or our other sponsors'.

This event is sponsored by the Háttér Society. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed at this event are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Háttér Society or our other sponsors'.