Budapest's city council has banned the homeless from living in many public areas of the city, including playgrounds, train stations, cemeteries, and the Hungarian capital's largest park.
The decision was made possible by a constitutional amendment adopted in March which allows municipalities to ban homeless from public places for security, health and other reasons. A similar law had been earlier declared anti-constitutional by Hungary's highest court.
The ordinance passed today allows the fining of homeless people living in the restricted areas. It was supported by councilors from the governing Fidesz party, its Christian Democrat allies and the far-right Jobbik party. Two left-wing parties voted against.
A protest by The City Is For All, an advocate group for the homeless, delayed the start of the city council session by several hours.
