On March 18, 2025, Hungary's parliament took the controversial step of passing a law banning all LGBTQ+ Pride events, including the highly popular Budapest Pride march. The law was pushed through the legislature just one day after it was introduced, reflecting Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government’s increasingly authoritarian stance toward LGBTQ+ rights. The legislation was passed with a decisive 136 votes in favor and only 27 against, showcasing the power of Orban’s ruling coalition.
Opposition members did not take the decision lightly; during the vote, they ignited smoke bombs within the chamber, filling the air with colorful plumes as they protested the government's move. This theatrical act of defiance was emblematic of their frustration with what many see as Orban’s attempt to control dissent and distract from pressing economic issues facing the country.
The law allows authorities to utilize facial recognition technology to identify individuals participating in any banned gatherings. This controversial measure is framed by the government as necessary for enforcing its stringent “child protection law,” which ostensibly aims to prevent the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors under 18. This legislation reflects Orban's assertion of traditional family values and resistance to what he and his allies deem as ‘gender madness’ infiltrated by Western ideologies.
Budapest Pride organizers responded sharply to the new legislation, stating on March 17, 2025, "The aim of the law is to scapegoat the LGBTQ+ community to silence dissenting voices against Orban’s government." They criticized the government's narrative of 'child protection' as nothing but a guise for increased repression, declaring, "This is not child protection, it is fascism. Pride is a movement, and no law can ban it." Detailing the penalties, the law stipulates fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian Forints, or approximately €500, for anyone found attending or organizing these events.
Supporters of the new law assert it safeguards children from so-called harmful influences, emphasizing themes of morality and cultural preservation. Yet, critics, including international human rights organizations, contend the law is fundamentally about stifling freedom and silencing voices advocating for equality and acceptance. Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, characterized the ban as not merely prohibiting a march but infringing upon fundamental human rights. She stated, "Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental European values... Equality is not up for debate," reflecting widespread dismay within the European Union over Hungary’s legislative priorities.
Other human rights defenders, such as Amnesty International, echoed similar sentiments, labeling the legislation as "a full-frontal attack" on LGBTQ+ individuals. They pointed out the timing of the law, with Budapest Pride marking its 30th anniversary this year. “This harmful ban turns the clock back three decades, undermining hard-won rights of LGBTI people,” noted Dávid Vig, director of Amnesty International Hungary.
Orban’s government has been pushing back against progressive policies for years, having previously enacted laws such as the 2021 “child protection law” which bans LGBTQ+ representation and discussions about sexual orientation from school curriculums and non-adult media. Every legislative step taken recently signifies Hungary’s departure from European values of inclusion and acceptance, raising concerns about the lasting effects on individual freedoms and societal norms.
Despite the threats exhibited by this law, many Budapest Pride organizers and supporters have expressed their determination to proceed with their plans for the Pride event on June 28, 2025. They assert their resolve to demonstrate openly for equality and rights, even if it means facing significant fines. “We will not be silent, nor will we be erased,” one spokesperson declared, reinforcing their commitment to visibility and advocacy.
The backdrop to these developments is also worth noting; Hungary has been grappling with increased inflation rates and rising living costs, which many believe the government is leveraging to divert public attention from domestic crises. With elections on the horizon and Orban under scrutiny and ambition to consolidate his hold on power, the contentious political climate only seems set to intensify.
This latest legislative act against Pride events encapsulates the core of Hungary's struggles with human rights under Orban’s leadership. While authorities pursue their agenda under the guise of protecting children, activists and human rights organizations worldwide pledge their support to the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for resistance against these restrictive measures. The future of Pride and LGBTQ+ rights remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fight for equality is far from over.
