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Varieties of Illiberal Backlash in Central Europe

Europe (Central and Eastern)
Gender
Party Systems
LGBTQI
Petra Guasti
Charles University
Petra Guasti
Charles University
Lenka Bustikova
University of Florida

Abstract

In the past two decades, new forms of illiberalism associated with abortion rights and rights of sexual minorities have emerged. What explains the extent and intensity of illiberal backlash against reproductive rights and LGBTQ communities in Central Europe? We describe recent legislative and policy changes related to sexual autonomy. We argue that the extent of the illiberal backlash reflects the strength of an alliance between socially conservative groups of citizens and political parties. However, we also show that illiberal politicians are constrained by two factors. First, new illiberal policies and regulations can provoke anger if they go against the public opinion. Second, the presence of a pro-Western Christian democratic party dampens radicalization of the party systems and therefore curbs backlash against sexual autonomy or expansion of sexual rights.