Act CXXV. of 2003 on equal treatment and the promotion of equal opportunities

The Act on equal treatment established the integrated legal and policy framework for fight against discrimination in Hungary. The law was adopted in preparation for Hungary's EU membership harmonising the EU's equality and anti-discrimination legislation with Hungarian legislation. It defines the concept of discrimination (direct and indirect), harassment, unlawful segregation and retribution. It specifies about 20 protected characteristics, among these are: gender; motherhood (pregnancy) or fatherhood; sexual orientation; gender identity. It also requires certain public organisations to prepare equal opportunities employment plans. The law creates the legal opportunity for affirmative action ("positive discrimination"). It establishes the Equal Treatment Authority as legal remedy for victims of discrimination. The Authority was set up in 2005, the government resolution no. 362/2004 (XII. 26.) defined its detailed rules of procedure.