Hungary's New Law Bans Pride Events, Igniting Protests

Hungary has introduced a controversial new law banning Pride events and permitting the use of facial recognition software to identify attendees, sparking significant protests in Budapest. The legislation, passed on Tuesday, prompted thousands of demonstrators to gather outside the Hungarian Parliament, chanting slogans against the government. Protesters later blocked traffic on Margaret Bridge over the Danube River, defying police orders to disperse.

The law is part of an ongoing effort by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's nationalist-populist government to crack down on LGBTQ+ rights. Orbán, known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, has faced criticism for his restrictive policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The bill passed with overwhelming support in a 136-27 vote, with Orbán's Fidesz party and its minority coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, backing the measure. The law was pushed through an expedited legislative process, having been introduced just one day before its approval.

Inside the legislature, opposition lawmakers protested by releasing rainbow-colored smoke bombs, symbolizing their resistance to the new restrictions. Outside Parliament, Evgeny Belyakov, a Russian national who moved to Hungary after facing repression in his home country, voiced concerns about the parallels between Hungary’s policies and Russia’s clampdown on LGBTQ+ rights. He expressed fears that Hungary could follow the same repressive trajectory if citizens do not resist these changes in time.

The newly enacted law amends Hungary’s assembly laws, making it illegal to organize or participate in events that conflict with the country’s so-called “child protection” legislation. This legislation, originally introduced in 2021, prohibits any representation or promotion of homosexuality to minors under 18. Individuals attending banned events could face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately $546), with the state directing the collected penalties toward “child protection” initiatives. Additionally, the law grants authorities the power to use facial recognition technology to identify participants at these events.

Organizers of Budapest Pride condemned the law, describing it as an attempt to scapegoat the LGBTQ+ community and silence dissent. In a statement released on Monday, they argued that the measure was not about child protection but rather a form of oppression. Despite these restrictions, Pride organizers reported an increase in support, with many people expressing their intention to attend the event for the first time as an act of defiance.

This latest legislation is part of a broader series of measures introduced by Orbán’s government to limit LGBTQ+ rights. The European Commission has taken legal action against Hungary over its 2021 “child protection” law, arguing that it discriminates based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The law bans LGBTQ+ themes in media, advertisements, and educational materials accessible to minors. Booksellers have also faced fines for failing to package books with LGBTQ+ content in sealed wrapping.

Critics argue that the Hungarian government’s actions mirror those of Putin’s administration, which expanded restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression in 2022. Some believe Orbán is using these policies to distract from economic issues, including inflation and a struggling economy, ahead of the 2026 elections. Activists warn that facial recognition technology could be used beyond LGBTQ+ events, allowing the government to suppress other protests deemed unfavorable. Many fear that these measures are part of a larger effort to divert public attention from more pressing national concerns.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/18/europe/orban-anti-lgbtq-bill-passed-budapest-pride-intl-latam/index.html