Hungary Bans Pride Events

On March 18th the Hungarian Parliament passed a law that has banned Pride or any similar events which show support for LGBTQ+ people in the country. 

The law authorises authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify event attendees and event organisers who can face fines up to €500. 

Hungary has already adopted laws to repress LGBTQ+ people before in 2021, the law passed that year banned the “portrayal” and “promotion” of LGBT content to children.  

As a result of this law the EU commission brought a case against Hungary in the EU Court of Justice.  

Hungary’s new law also comes alongside proposals to change the constitution stating that the protection and care of a child’s “proper physical, mental, and moral development” shall overrule all other fundamental rights, except for the right to life. 

The passing of this law sparked protests all over the world including here in Dublin.  

On March 25th a protest organised by Dublin Pride took place outside Europe House condemning the passing of the new law.  

LGBT Ireland CEO Paula Fagan was speaking at the protest where she said, “We’re standing here today in complete solidarity with the organisers of Budapest Pride, but also the wider LGBTQ+ community in Hungary.” 

Groups such as the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner have called on Hungarian President Victor Orban to veto the law.