
Protests erupted in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, after the Eastern European nation’s parliament passed a law banning Pride events and allowing law enforcement to use facial recognition software to track people who attend such events.
Opposition lawmakers set off rainbow smoke bombs in Parliament, several thousand people protested outside, and the protestors later blocked the Margaret Bridge over the Danube as police told them to disperse.
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“It’s quite terrifying to be honest, because we had the same in Russia. It was building up step by step, and I feel like this is what is going on here,” Evgeny Belyakov, a Russian citizen who lives in Hungary now, told the AP, referring to Russia’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. “I just only hope that there will be more resistance like this in Hungary, because in Russia we didn’t resist on time and now it’s too late.”
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The law, which passed Parliament in a 136-27 vote with support from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party and the Christian Democrats, bans attending or hosting events that involve a “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality if minors might see it. The law stipulates a fine of around $550 for attending such an event and allows law enforcement officials to use facial recognition technology to track down people who attend. The law was introduced on Monday and passed on Tuesday in an expedited process.
Opposition members of parliament lit rainbow-colored smoke bombs in the chamber on Tuesday before protests erupted later in the day. They also handed out photoshopped pictures of Orbán kissing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hungary today became the first EU member to ban LGBT events, including the Pride Parade, as opposition members set off smoke bombs in protest at the parliament building. pic.twitter.com/TVmz9nAwOf
— UnrulyMissile (@UnrulyMissilegh) March 19, 2025
Budapest erupts in protest!
— Facts Prime (@factsprime35) March 19, 2025
Hundreds gather on the iconic Erzsebet Bridge, blocking traffic, in response to the Orban-regime's new law restricting freedom of assembly.
The people demand their rights! #Hungary #FreedomOfAssembly #Protest pic.twitter.com/8zxLt5zSCJ
Business continued in Parliament as the room filled with smoke.
BREAKING: Hungary bans LGBTQ+ Pride events in public spaces, citing the presence of children. The law passed 136-27 in parliament.
Opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs in protest.
Source: LGBTQ Nation