The majority has settled it: prohibits the pride parade
The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday passed a new law that could potentially lead to a ban on the annual pride parade in Budapest.
It writes several media, including TV 2.
The law is another step in the government's tight course towards LGBTQ+rights in the country, which has previously created conflict with the EU.
According to the AFP news agency, the bill was presented on Monday and already the day after voting through with a significant majority.
136 members of Parliament voted for, while only 27 were against. As the government coalition under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has a solid majority, the outcome was expected.
Tight legislation with financial sanctions
The new law criminalizes holding and participation in events that violate Hungary's disputed 2021 law, which prohibits « presentation or promotion » of homosexuality to children.
Breach of legislation can result in fines of up to DKK 3700. According to AP, the fine will be used for « protection of children ».
The law also gives the police powers to use face recognition to identify people who break the ban.
Orbán: Waste of time and money
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long pursued a policy that describes itself as a bastion for traditional Christian values. He has repeatedly expressed his opposition to LGBTQ+rights and has described Western trends as « gender madness ».
During his annual speech about the state of the nation, he specifically warned the organizers of Budapest Pride not to prepare to hold the parade this year. According to the prime minister, it would be an unnecessary investment of time and money.
Reactions and international consequences
Hungary's tightening of LGBTQ+rights has previously led to serious tensions with the EU. Several member states and human rights organizations have criticized Orbán's government for undermining fundamental rights.
It is still unknown how the EU will respond to the new legislation, but Hungary has previously been threatened with financial sanctions for similar measures.
The Pride organizers in Budapest have not yet published their official reaction to the law, but LGBTQ+organizations in the country have already announced that they will challenge the decision legally.
