In a move that is now drawing international outrage, Hungary has passed a sweeping new law banning LGBTQ public events—including Pride celebrations—and allowing the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. The bill, passed Monday in a 140 to 21 vote along party lines, criminalizes events deemed in violation of Hungary’s 2021 “child protection” law, which bans any “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors. Those who attend or organize such gatherings could face fines of up to 200,000 forints, roughly $546.
The law’s expansion includes a constitutional amendment defining only “two sexes,” contradicting scientific consensus and echoing a Trump-era executive order. Hungary’s far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close Trump ally, has repeatedly used anti-LGBTQ rhetoric to solidify his base. In response, over 10,000 people flooded the streets of Budapest on Saturday in protest, dressed in somber grays. Organized by the satirical Two-tailed Dog Party, demonstrators carried signs reading “Sameness is trendy” and “Censorship.” The United Nations condemned the law, urging Hungary to repeal the legislation and protect queer rights under international law.
