Hungarian lawmakers passed a controversial law on Tuesday banning Pride events and authorizing authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees. The move, backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s right-wing populist party, Fidesz, marks the latest step in the government’s ongoing crackdown on the country’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The legislation, which was fast-tracked through parliament and passed by a vote of 136-27, amends Hungary’s assembly laws to make it illegal to hold or attend events that allegedly violate the country’s so-called “child protection” law. This contentious legislation, first introduced in 2021, prohibits what it terms as the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under 18.
Under the new measure, individuals who participate in banned gatherings will face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($785 CAD). The law also grants authorities the ability to use advanced surveillance technology, including facial recognition, to identify those in attendance.
The passage of the bill sparked chaos in Hungary’s parliament, as opposition lawmakers ignited smoke bombs inside the chamber to protest the law. The room was soon filled with thick smoke as dissenting voices attempted to disrupt the proceedings.
Budapest Pride Condemns the Legislation
The timing of the law has raised concerns, as it comes just months before Budapest Pride’s 30th anniversary event, scheduled for June 28. Organizers of the annual celebration immediately condemned the new restrictions, accusing Orban’s government of using the 2SLGBTQ+ community as a scapegoat to suppress dissent.
“This is not child protection, this is fascism,” Budapest Pride organizers said in a statement. “The government is trying to restrict peaceful protests with a critical voice by targeting a minority. Therefore, as a movement, we will fight for the freedom of all Hungarians to demonstrate!”
Prime Minister Orban’s government has consistently positioned itself as a defender of conservative values, with repeated efforts to curtail the rights of sexual minorities. Critics argue that these policies are part of a broader effort to consolidate power by demonizing marginalized communities.
EU Condemnation and Previous Legal Battles
The Hungarian government’s stance on 2SLGBTQ+ rights has sparked fierce opposition from the European Union. In 2022, the European Commission filed a case with the EU’s highest court, challenging Hungary’s 2021 “child protection” law. The Commission argued that the legislation violates fundamental EU principles by “discriminating against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Despite international pressure, Orban’s administration has remained steadfast in its position, portraying itself as a defender of traditional family values against what it calls “gender madness.” The government insists that its policies are aimed at protecting children from “sexual propaganda,” a claim that has been widely criticized by rights groups and European political leaders.
Hungary’s “child protection” law also goes beyond banning the public depiction of homosexuality. It restricts the inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ topics in school education programs, prohibits media content featuring “gender deviating from sex at birth,” and censors related themes in television, films, advertisements, and literature.
The latest law banning Pride events and allowing facial recognition surveillance represents yet another escalation in Hungary’s efforts to suppress 2SLGBTQ+ visibility. Activists have vowed to continue their fight for equal rights, while international organizations and EU officials are expected to respond to this latest legislative development.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
