Hungary’s government has passed a controversial law banning LGBTQ+ Pride marches, igniting strong criticism from rights groups and European officials. The measure, fast-tracked by the ruling Fidesz party under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was approved in parliament just a day after being introduced.

A Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights

The law prohibits assemblies that violate Hungary’s 2021 ban on exposing minors to LGBTQ+ content. Violators—including attendees and organizers—face fines of up to 500 euros, with police authorized to use facial recognition technology for enforcement.

Orban defended the law as a step to “protect children” from so-called “woke ideology.” However, opposition lawmakers staged protests in parliament, while demonstrators in Budapest blocked a central bridge in defiance.

Widespread Condemnation

The European Union has sharply criticized the decision, with Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib declaring that the right to peaceful assembly “must be upheld across the EU.” Human rights groups and Pride organizers also condemned the law, calling it an attack on fundamental freedoms.

Despite the ban, organizers of Budapest Pride have vowed to proceed with their planned march on June 28, marking 30 years of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Hungary.

 A Political Flashpoint

Orban’s government has escalated its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights over the past decade, including abolishing legal recognition for transgender people in 2020 and restricting LGBTQ+ representation in media in 2021. This latest move comes amid growing political opposition ahead of Hungary’s next election, where the newly formed Tisza party has surged in popularity.

As Hungary faces mounting pressure from the EU and international rights organizations, the ban on Pride marches is set to remain a major point of contention both domestically and abroad.