Hungarian lawmakers passed a law on Tuesday banning Pride events and permitting authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees, furthering Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s crackdown on the LGBTQ community.
The law was approved by a 136-27 vote, backed by Orbán’s Fidesz party and its minority coalition partner, the Christian Democrats. It was fast-tracked through parliament, having been introduced just a day earlier.
The legislation amends Hungary’s assembly law, making it illegal to organize or attend events that violate the country’s controversial “child protection” law, which bans the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors. Individuals attending prohibited events face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints, with the collected funds directed toward “child protection” initiatives. Authorities are authorized to use facial recognition software to identify violators.
As the vote took place in Budapest’s parliament, opposition lawmakers protested by setting off smoke bombs, filling the chamber with colorful plumes.
Budapest Pride organizers condemned the law, calling it an attempt to scapegoat the LGBTQ community and silence government critics. “This is not child protection, this is fascism,” organizers stated, vowing to fight for Hungarians’ right to protest.
This move is the latest in a series of anti-LGBTQ measures under Orbán’s government, which has drawn criticism from rights groups and European politicians. In 2022, the European Commission took Hungary to the EU’s highest court over its 2021 child protection law, arguing it discriminates based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Hungarian government frames itself as a defender of traditional family values against what it calls “gender madness,” claiming its policies are intended to shield children from “sexual propaganda.” The country’s child protection law bans LGBTQ-related content for minors in media, advertisements, and literature. It also prohibits discussing LGBTQ topics in schools and restricts public depictions of gender identities different from birth sex.
In a February speech, Orbán hinted at banning Budapest Pride, which attracts thousands to celebrate LGBTQ history and rights. A Pride event has also been held in Pécs, a city in southern Hungary. This year marks Budapest Pride’s 30th anniversary, with the event scheduled for June 28.
