Hungary officially passes anti-LGBTQ+ law, banning Pride: Thousands protest – PHOTOS, VIDEO

Hungary has recently enacted a law that effectively bans Pride marches and other events promoting homosexuality, sparking widespread protests and international criticism. The legislation, signed into law by President Sulyok Tamás on 19 March, was passed in an expedited parliamentary process with the support of the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, as well as the radical right-wing Mi Hazánk and right-wing Jobbik parties.

Background and legislative process

The law was proposed by Fidesz-KDNP lawmakers on Monday and approved by the Hungarian Parliament on Tuesday with 136 votes in favour and 27 against. The Momentum party staged a dramatic protest during the vote, using smoke bombs, distributing provocative images, and playing the Soviet anthem (read more and see photos HERE).

The same evening, left-wing opposition Momentum organised a rally on Kossuth Square, which later moved towards the Margaret Bridge (Margit híd) but was met with a police cordon at Jászai Mari Square, leading to minor clashes.

Legal and social implications

The new law prohibits gatherings that promote homosexuality, with organisers and participants facing fines of up to HUF 200,000 (EUR 500).

The police are also authorised to use facial recognition software to identify participants, a measure previously introduced for counter-terrorism purposes, Telex writes.

Pride ban demonstration Budapest (1)
Photo: Facebook/Hadházy Ákos

Critics argue that this legislation violates anti-discrimination laws, freedom of assembly, and personal data protection. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee notes that there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that public displays of sexual minorities harm children.

International reaction

The European Council’s Commissioner for Human Rights urged President Sulyok Tamás to veto the law, but he declined to do so. The move has been met with international condemnation, highlighting concerns about Hungary’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. The demonstration and the banning of the Pride parades have been covered by international media such as Reuters, DW, Time and NBC News.

Protests and public response

Protests in Budapest reflected the public’s discontent with the government’s actions. Demonstrators criticised the move as a significant step towards authoritarianism, undermining democratic principles. The law’s swift passage, ahead of a constitutional amendment that prioritises children’s “physical, mental, and moral development” over traditional constitutional rights, has further exacerbated tensions.

Check out a video of the demonstration below:

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6 Comments

  1. If the LGBTQ+ groups could manage some self control and not allow their “parades” to become public displays of sex acts, this never would have happened.

    We do not allow children into strip clubs because performances of a sexual nature take place there. Such performances should not be allowed in public and the LGBTQ+ groups have demonstrated that they are unable to control themselves in public.

  2. Hungary, of which 43% of it’s = 9.6 – “ageing” decreasing population – are BAPTISED into the Hungarian – Holy Roman Catholic Church.
    His Holiness – Pope Francis – and its NOT being PREACHED – not COMMUNICATED – out of the Cardinal of Hungary – Peter Erdo – a “strong” supporter – of the “Judas” of Democracy, the current Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban – out of the Cardinal’s – his office, his voice, not of his PRACTICE – and continues not being OBEDIENT – to His Holiness Pope Francis who has said ;

    “We must all RESPECT each other.
    Everyone.
    Blessings should be extended to EVERYONE.
    I don’t Bless homosexual marriage.
    I Bless two people who LOVE each other and I ask them to Pray for Me.”

    Cardinal Peter Erdo – even if YOU – personally REPEATED these words above from the Holy Father – His Holiness – Pope Francis – just those WORDS – being OBIDENT – in these “Vesuvius” in waiting times we live in Hungary, you would be DOING – a DEED in PROMOTING – “Brotherly ” LOVE – that Respect is engulfed in the word – LOVE.

    “Be not Afraid” – don’t be DISTRACTED lose sight of your “service” in the image, in the practice through your vows, your Priestly vows, to the word of God, obedience to the word, to Pope Francis – be a voice, not a “hidden” face, a leader.
    Ow for Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty.
    He would have CARRIED our CROSS – Hungary.

    “He who enters the Conclave as Pope,
    leaves it as a Cardinal.”

    Cardinal Peter Erdo – Jeremiah : 17.5 – 10
    “I, the Lord alone PROBE the Mind and test the Heart.
    To reward everyone in according to his WAY’s.
    According to the Merit of his Deeds.”

  3. The priority of Mr. Orban and supporters is “protect children”.

    Using the children to hide all the bullshits and corruption being made in Hungary!!

    Maybe this is the reason no one in the world cares about Hungary.

    Just in the news on this kind of topics.

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