Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:58am on 20 Mar 2025,Thursday International
On March 18, 2025, Hungary's parliament, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, passed legislation prohibiting LGBTQ+ Pride marches in public spaces, citing child protection concerns. The law also permits authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and fine participants. This move has ignited significant protests, including a blockade of a central Budapest bridge, and drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and the European Union, which view the law as an infringement on fundamental rights and freedoms. Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has vowed to proceed with the planned Pride event on June 28, asserting the city's commitment to freedom and inclusivity. Critics argue that the legislation serves as a distraction from domestic issues and is part of a broader pattern of actions against LGBTQ+ rights under Orbán's administration.
