Hungary has enacted a new law prohibiting Pride events and authorizing the use of facial recognition technology to identify and potentially penalize attendees. Amnesty International has criticized this move as a severe attack on the LGBTQ+ community. The legislation, driven by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his right-wing populist party, was approved by parliament with a vote of 136 to 27, just a day after being introduced. This law modifies the country's assembly regulations, making it illegal to hold or participate in events that contravene Hungary's controversial "child protection" laws, which ban the portrayal or promotion of homosexuality to minors under 18.
Amnesty International condemned the law, arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and discrimination. They stated that the law violates Hungary's commitments to prevent discrimination and uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, warning that it could reverse decades of progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
EU Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib criticized the legislation, suggesting it contradicts the values of the European Union, emphasizing the importance of the right to peaceful assembly. Budapest Pride organizers accused the government of using the LGBTQ+ community as a scapegoat to suppress dissent against Orbán's administration. Despite the new law, they plan to proceed with their march, marking the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride, and vowed to fight for the freedom of all Hungarians to protest.
During the parliamentary vote, opposition MPs set off smoke bombs in protest. Following the law's passage, Budapest Pride spokesperson Jojó Majercsik reported a surge of support, with many people expressing their intention to join the march for the first time.
Since returning to power in 2010, Orbán has faced criticism for eroding democratic institutions and promoting traditional family values, drawing comparisons to Russia with measures like banning same-sex adoption and excluding LGBTQ+ topics from school curricula. Tamás Dombos from the Hungarian LGBTQ+ rights group Háttér Society described Orbán's actions as a distraction from pressing issues like inflation and the state of education and healthcare.
As Orbán faces a significant electoral challenge from former Fidesz member Péter Magyar, some speculate that the ban aims to appeal to far-right voters. Szabolcs Hegyi of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union warned that restricting minority rights for political gain could lead to a situation where only government supporters can protest.