Hungary Bans LGBTQ+ Pride Marches

Hungary has passed a controversial law banning LGBTQ+ Pride marches, drawing widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.

The legislation was fast-tracked by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing Fidesz party and approved by Parliament just a day after its submission. Orbán defended the ban, claiming it protects children from “woke ideology.”

Pride events had taken place in Hungary for 30 years, but under the new law, gatherings deemed to violate a 2021 ban on depicting homosexuality to minors are now prohibited. Violators face fines of up to €500 ($545; £420), and police have been granted the authority to use facial recognition technology to identify offenders.

The decision has sparked protests, with opposition lawmakers lighting flares during the vote and demonstrators blocking a bridge in Budapest. Human rights groups have also strongly condemned the move, calling it another attack on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.

Opposition lawmakers lit flares in protest during the voting session

Hungary Amends Assembly Laws, Bans LGBTQ+ Pride Marches

Hungary’s Parliament has tightened restrictions on public gatherings, effectively banning LGBTQ+ Pride marches under the pretext of protecting children’s development.

The new law states that only events “respecting the right of children to proper physical, mental, and moral development” can take place. Critics argue that this justification is baseless and a direct attack on LGBTQ+ rights.

Protesters blocked Budapest’s Margaret Bridge on Tuesday, chanting, “Assembly is a fundamental right,” while facing a police cordon. The European Union’s equality commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, condemned the move, saying, “Everyone should be able to be who they are, live & love freely.”

Budapest Pride organizers slammed the ban, calling it “not child protection, but fascism,” and pledged to proceed with their June 28 march despite the restrictions.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified his conservative agenda, vowing to “occupy Brussels” and push for further right-wing policies. Meanwhile, his Fidesz party faces growing competition from the new center-right Tisza party, which has surged in popularity ahead of the 2025 elections.