Hungary - March 2025

On 18 March, the Parliament passed a bill proposed by the ruling Fidesz party, which bans Pride events and similar LGBTQIA+ gatherings and imposes fines of up to EUR 500 for publicly supporting LGBTQIA+ events and rights. It also authorizes the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. The legislation, which was passed through a fast-tracked process, was later signed into law by President Tamás Sulyok. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party justified the measure as a means to protect children's rights, referencing a section of the Child Protection Act in the amendment. During the vote, opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament using colorful smoke bombs. Since then, thousands have protested against the law, while Pride organizers have vowed to go ahead with the planned parade on 28 June. 

Sources: Human Rights Watch, British Broadcasting Company, Telex, Euractiv