Hungary has banned Pride marches held by the LGBTQ+ community, sparking widespread outrage both within and outside the country. The ruling right-wing Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, voted in favor of the law just a day after it was submitted, citing concerns over its alleged impact on children.
The law, which bans events deemed to be in conflict with Hungary’s 2021 legislation on prohibiting depiction of homosexuality to under-18s, carries fines of up to €500 for attendees and organizers. Police are also allowed to use facial recognition technology to identify possible offenders.
Protesters, including opposition lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocates, have condemned the move as an attempt at fascist suppression, saying it restricts fundamental human rights. EU equality commissioner Hadja Lahbib has also spoken out against the ban, emphasizing the importance of peaceful assembly and equal treatment for all individuals.
The Pride march in Budapest had been held annually for 30 years before the ban was imposed. Organizers have vowed to continue with their planned event on June 28, despite the government’s efforts to suppress it. This move is part of a larger trend of attacks by Prime Minister Orban and his Fidesz party against critics and minority groups in Hungary.
The EU has expressed its disapproval of the ban, and polls suggest that a new center-right party, Tisza, is gaining popularity ahead of next year’s parliamentary election.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0zrg9kpno