The protest, the second one within two weeks, took place after the ruling Fidesz party of Hungary used its parliamentary majority to expedite the law, which critics view as the government’s latest attack on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This law effectively bans Pride events and restricts the right to assembly for Hungarians.
Thousands of protesters blocked a main street in the centre of Hungary’s capital in opposition to the recent law. The law, which affects the LGBTQ+ community, was expedited by the Fidesz party last Tuesday.
Many protesters flooded onto Kossuth Lajos, one of Budapest’s biggest streets, chanting “democracy” and “assembly is a fundamental right,” and ignited colorful smoke bombs.
Benedek Lakos, a 27-year-old member of Budapest’s LGBTQ+ community, declared at the protest that “democracy is declining.” The new law amends Hungary’s assembly rules to make it unlawful to host or attend events conflicting with the country’s “child protection” legislation, which prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under the age of 18.
Opponents have likened the law to similar restrictions against sexual minorities in Russia. Lakos expressed concern, stating, “If there are no visible consequences for this (law) from the people, then we can just start digging our own graves.”
Authorities may now use facial recognition tools to identify individuals attending prohibited events, with fines for violators reaching up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($546). Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s party aims to adopt a constitutional amendment in April that will solidify the ban on public LGBTQ+ events.
Critics argue that the government’s measures, under the guise of protecting children from “sexual propaganda,” are intended to rally Orbán’s conservative supporters and crack down on sexual minorities.
This year’s Budapest Pride marks its 30th anniversary, with celebrations scheduled for 28 June.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/26/demonstrators-block-traffic-in-budapest-in-opposition-to-new-law-banning-lgbtq-pride-event
