Proposed Budapest Pride ban bill: Participants face penalties, assembly rights in danger – UPDATE
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz has submitted a proposal to amend the country’s assembly law. The proposed changes aim to prohibit gatherings that violate the provisions of the child protection law, which includes content that “promotes” homosexuality or gender identity issues to minors. The move is seen as an attempt to ban Pride parades, particularly the Budapest Pride, which has been a focal point of LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.
The proposed amendment references the child protection law, which prohibits exposing minors to content that promotes homosexuality or gender identity changes. The Fidesz-KDNP proposal suggests that organising and even participating in such gatherings would be considered a misdemeanour, punishable by fines, 24.hu reports. Notably, these fines cannot be substituted with community service or detention, and the collected funds would be allocated to child protection initiatives. If the fines are not paid within thirty days, they will be enforced similarly to tax debts.
Fidesz proposes using facial recognition software to identify participants
The use of facial recognition software is also proposed to identify participants in banned gatherings, further escalating concerns about privacy and civil liberties. This move aligns with broader efforts by the Hungarian government to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, following a pattern seen in other countries where similar measures have been implemented.
According to Telex, critics argue that this proposal is a step towards authoritarianism, likening it to policies in Russia. The opposition has voiced strong objections, with some calling for increased participation in Pride events as a form of resistance against what they perceive as intimidation tactics. Despite these challenges, Budapest Pride organisers and supporters, including Mayor Gergely Karácsony, remain committed to holding the event, emphasising the importance of equality and freedom.
Orbán wants to ban Pride but was happy to receive Alice Weidel
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been vocal about his intentions to restrict Pride events, suggesting that organisers “should not bother planning this year’s parade” (we covered this incident in THIS article). However, his stance on LGBTQ+ issues has been highlighted as inconsistent when he recently welcomed Alice Weidel, a lesbian politician from the German AfD party, to Hungary. This visit has sparked controversy, as it contrasts sharply with the government’s efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility domestically. Critics view this as a double standard, where Orbán appears to embrace LGBTQ+ individuals from abroad while actively working to restrict their rights at home.
Reaction from organisers
The reaction from Pride organisers has been fierce, with many labelling the proposed ban as “fascism” rather than child protection. According to HVG, the organisers have vowed to continue with the event, emphasising that it is crucial for promoting equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
Read also:
- PM Orbán would like to incorporate Budapest Pride ban into the Constitution but with a trick
- Budapest Pride in danger? Government threatens to restrict, but can it?
UPDATE
Hungarian Parliament bans Budapest Pride LGBTQ march as opposition protests with smoke bombs – VIDEO