The controversial legislation is framed as a measure to protect children but has been widely criticized as an attack on LGBTQ+ rights.
**Hungary Enacts Law Prohibiting LGBTQ+ Pride Marches Amid Widespread Protests**
**Hungary Enacts Law Prohibiting LGBTQ+ Pride Marches Amid Widespread Protests**
Hungary's parliament has swiftly passed a law banning Pride marches, igniting outrage among human rights advocates and citizens.
The Hungarian parliament has made a significant move by passing a law that bans LGBTQ+ Pride marches, which has led to widespread protests both within Hungary and beyond. The ruling Fidesz party, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, pushed through the legislation with lightning speed, voting on the measure just a day after it was introduced. Orban defended the law by claiming it protects children from what he referred to as "woke ideology," effectively framing the ban as a matter of child safety.
For 30 years, Pride marches have been a fixture in Hungary, representing a form of expression and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. In response to the law, opposition lawmakers demonstrated their disapproval by igniting flares during the parliamentary session. Meanwhile, demonstrators took to the streets to block a major bridge in Budapest in protest of the legislation.
This latest ban continues a trend of hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community under Orban's government, which in previous years has enacted laws restricting the legal recognition of transgender individuals as well as banning the portrayal of homosexuality to minors. According to the newly enacted law, any assembly that contradicts prior legislation regarding the depiction of LGBTQ+ themes is now illegal, with violators facing hefty fines of up to 500 euros. Law enforcement is also empowered to employ facial recognition technology to identify participants.
Opponents and activists argue that the government's actions are not a protective measure but rather an affront to democratic rights. Protesters gathered outside the parliament chanting slogans that emphasize the right to assemble peacefully, criticizing the government's stance by saying, "This is not child protection; this is fascism." The EU's equality commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, condemned the move, asserting that everyone should have the right to love freely without restrictions.
Organizers of the Budapest Pride have declared their intention to hold the 30th Pride march as originally planned for June 28, regardless of the new restrictions. As Hungary's political landscape shifts, with the emerging centre-right party Tisza gaining popularity ahead of next year's elections, the future of LGBTQ+ rights remains uncertain amid increasing authoritarian governance.
For 30 years, Pride marches have been a fixture in Hungary, representing a form of expression and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. In response to the law, opposition lawmakers demonstrated their disapproval by igniting flares during the parliamentary session. Meanwhile, demonstrators took to the streets to block a major bridge in Budapest in protest of the legislation.
This latest ban continues a trend of hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community under Orban's government, which in previous years has enacted laws restricting the legal recognition of transgender individuals as well as banning the portrayal of homosexuality to minors. According to the newly enacted law, any assembly that contradicts prior legislation regarding the depiction of LGBTQ+ themes is now illegal, with violators facing hefty fines of up to 500 euros. Law enforcement is also empowered to employ facial recognition technology to identify participants.
Opponents and activists argue that the government's actions are not a protective measure but rather an affront to democratic rights. Protesters gathered outside the parliament chanting slogans that emphasize the right to assemble peacefully, criticizing the government's stance by saying, "This is not child protection; this is fascism." The EU's equality commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, condemned the move, asserting that everyone should have the right to love freely without restrictions.
Organizers of the Budapest Pride have declared their intention to hold the 30th Pride march as originally planned for June 28, regardless of the new restrictions. As Hungary's political landscape shifts, with the emerging centre-right party Tisza gaining popularity ahead of next year's elections, the future of LGBTQ+ rights remains uncertain amid increasing authoritarian governance.
