BUDAPEST:Hungary has enacted a law prohibiting the annual Pride march in Budapest, sparking backlash from human rights organizations and opposition leaders. Critics argue that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government is using the guise of “child protection” to restrict LGBTQ freedoms.
Orbán’s administration has consistently targeted LGBTQ communities, rolling back their rights in recent years under the banner of safeguarding children. “We won’t let woke ideology endanger our kids,” the nationalist leader declared in a post on X.
On Tuesday night, thousands of protesters gathered in central Budapest, chanting, “We are not afraid!” in response to the new law, which represents the latest blow to LGBTQ rights globally. Demonstrators also blocked access to a bridge in the capital.
Laszlo Donat, a 40-year-old engineer, told AFP he joined the rally because “we’ve had enough in Hungary,” emphasizing the need to “restore democracy” by replacing what he called a “corrupt, gangster, mafia system.”
The legislation, introduced by Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition, bans the Pride march on the grounds that it violates Hungary’s controversial “child protection” law. The law allows authorities to fine participants and organizers of the event.
Smoke Flares and Soviet Anthem
The new bill prohibits assemblies that contravene a 2021 law banning the “promotion and display” of homosexuality to minors. It amends several existing laws, including one governing assembly rights, which now mandates that events must “respect the right of children to proper physical, mental, and moral development.”
Organizers or attendees of banned events could face fines of up to 500 euros (£430), with police authorized to use facial recognition technology to identify violators.
The legislation was fast-tracked through the 199-seat National Assembly, passing with 136 votes in favor, 27 against, and several abstentions. The right-wing Jobbik and far-right Our Homeland parties also supported the measure.
During the vote, opposition lawmakers from the liberal Momentum party disrupted proceedings by shouting, lighting smoke flares, and playing the Soviet Union’s national anthem.
In his annual state of the nation address in February, Orbán warned Pride organizers against planning this year’s event, calling it “a waste of money and time.” Last month, the government announced that the Pride march would no longer be “tolerated” in its traditional public form.
**Used as a Scapegoat**
Since returning to power in 2010, Orbán has faced criticism for eroding democratic institutions and undermining the rule of law. Emboldened by his ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, Orbán has intensified his rhetoric against opponents and introduced a series of restrictive measures.
In a recent speech, Orbán labeled his political enemies, judges, media, and NGOs as “stinky bugs” and vowed to “eliminate the entire shadow army.” Later this month, parliament is expected to vote on constitutional amendments that could strip dual nationals of their Hungarian citizenship if deemed security threats and define gender strictly as “either a man or a woman.”
Critics accuse Orbán of using these measures to appeal to far-right voters as he seeks to counter the rising influence of former ally-turned-rival Péter Magyar ahead of next year’s elections.
“It is easy to win votes by restricting the rights of a minority in a conservative society,” said Szabolcs Hegyi, a legal expert at the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ). He expressed concern that the legislation “severely curtails civil liberties” and is being exploited for political gain, warning of a slippery slope. “Eventually, you can get to a situation where virtually no one can protest except those who are not critical of the government’s position,” Hegyi told AFP.
Despite the ban, Pride organizers remain defiant, vowing to proceed with the 30th Budapest Pride on June 28. “People are willing to come to Budapest Pride and show support… even if they have to pay fines,” said spokesperson Máté Hegedűs. “We won’t be scared by the government, who is using our minority, the LGBTQ community, as a scapegoat,” he added.
