Hungary’s ruling coalition has introduced a new bill that aims to ban the annual Budapest Pride event and expand the government’s surveillance powers to identify attendees using facial recognition technology. The proposal, part of the government’s broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, is expected to pass easily, given the ruling party’s two-thirds majority in parliament.
The legislation would criminalize participation in events that violate Hungary’s “child protection” law, which prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under 18. Those found attending such events could face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($546), with the collected penalties directed toward state-designated child protection initiatives.
The move represents another step in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s broader policies against LGBTQ+ rights, which have drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations and European officials. Since 2021, Hungary has enforced restrictions that limit LGBTQ+ representation in media accessible to minors, ban discussions on gender identity in schools, and prohibit public depictions of gender identities that do not align with birth sex.
The government has framed these measures as necessary to uphold traditional family values and protect children from what it describes as harmful ideological influences. Officials argue that policies restricting LGBTQ+ visibility serve as safeguards against “sexual propaganda,” reinforcing Hungary’s commitment to preserving what they see as Christian and national values.
Budapest Pride, which celebrates the history and rights of Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community, is marking its 30th anniversary this year. The event, attended by thousands annually, has long been a focal point for LGBTQ+ advocacy and public demonstrations in the country. The proposed ban follows a speech by Orbán in February, where he suggested that the government would take action to prevent the event from taking place.
The introduction of facial recognition technology to monitor and identify event attendees raises additional concerns about privacy and state surveillance. If implemented, the policy would allow authorities to track and potentially penalize individuals based on their participation in Pride and other LGBTQ+ gatherings.
Critics argue that banning Budapest Pride and expanding surveillance measures would further restrict freedoms of speech and assembly. Rights groups have condemned Hungary’s escalating restrictions on LGBTQ+ visibility, warning that the country is isolating itself from European democratic values.
As the bill moves forward in parliament, its passage appears to be a near certainty. If enacted, the law would mark a significant escalation in Hungary’s policies against LGBTQ+ rights, reinforcing the government’s long-standing stance against what it perceives as Western liberal influences.