Updated: 26/03/2025 – 12:14 GMT+1
In Budapest, protests erupted as demonstrators took to the streets to voice their opposition to a new law that prohibits LGBTQ+ Pride events and restricts the rights of assembly. The controversial legislation has drawn sharp criticism from various sectors of society.
Demonstrators disrupt traffic in central Budapest
On Tuesday, protesters successfully blocked traffic on multiple bridges across central Budapest, highlighting their discontent with the recent legislative changes. This protest marks the second significant demonstration within a week, following the ruling Fidesz party’s swift passage of the law through its parliamentary majority.
The newly enacted law introduces severe penalties for gatherings deemed to violate Hungary’s so-called “child protection” regulations. In addition to banning Pride events, the legislation grants authorities the authority to employ facial recognition technology to monitor and identify participants in such gatherings.
Political response and implications
Opposition parties have been vocal in their condemnation of the law. However, the recently established centre-right Tisza Party has attempted to downplay the issue, framing it as a distraction from other pressing matters facing the country.
“The law criminalises gatherings that violate Hungary’s ‘child protection’ regulations,”
This development has raised concerns among human rights advocates about the implications for freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary, a country already facing scrutiny over its stance on such issues.