Hungarian Parliament Bans the Gay Pride Parade
Protesters line the streets in response to the passing of anti-LGBTQ legislation. Source: Mathe / MTI via AP
Thousands of protestors lined the streets in Budapest, Hungry outside the Parliament building in reaction to the amendment of the “Child Protection Law” and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s anti-LGBTQ legislation. This amendment unilaterally banned pride parades and allowed authorities to use facial recognition to identify attendees of a prohibited event.
Passed by the parliament with a 136-27 vote margin, the legislation expanded on the “Child Protection Law” enacted in 2021 which prohibited the "depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors.” This new law would ban any pride celebrations and charge a fine of 200,000 Hungarian forints ($546) to any attendees.
The European Union’s (EU) executive commission brought a case to the EU’s highest courts against this law on the basis of discrimination. The law was upheld, including prohibitions on teaching about LGBTQ+ in schools and any depiction of “gender deviating from sex at birth.” Hungarian booksellers are also now required to wrap any Queer books in nondescript packaging to discourage patrons from purchasing.
Budapest Pride, the prominent LGBTQ+ organization in Hungary, is marking its 30th anniversary in 2025. They have made numerous statements emphasizing that their parade will still take place on June 28th.
Protestors took to the streets, with one of the Budapest Pride organizers stating, “This is not child protection, this is fascism.” This law has seen many Hungarian citizens rallying around the LGBTQ+ community in support. Even in the Parliament building, protesters set off rainbow-colored smoke bombs.
Orbán, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, is under scrutiny for not only equating homosexuality with pedophilia but also for using this law to distract from the more pressing issues in Hungary, such as the failing economy. Orbán has been in power since 2010 and considers himself a champion of Christian family values. Orbán also made international headlines for refusing to affirm an EU statement supporting Ukraine. He is struggling to regain control over the economy and has continued to make claims that the EU is trying to turn Hungarian children gay.
With an election set for 2026, many feel that Orbán pushing this legislation on an accelerated track in parliament will be detrimental to him and his party, according to local opinion polls. Inflation, also, is not helping Orbán’s candidacy, especially since he ran on an economic agenda. Orbán has made empty promises about improving the financial conditions for desperate Hungarians. Liberal Hungarians are also nervous about his ties to President Putin and Russia’s extreme legislation.
The expansion of this controversial law will deeply impact Hungary’s culture and politics. It will spark debates, influence youth perspectives, affect international relations, and shape daily conversations. Media coverage, activism, and public reactions will determine its long-term effects, leaving a lasting mark on Hungary’s evolving social and political landscape, especially under Prime Minister Orbán’s rule.