Hungary introduces bill to ban public LGBT parades, fines up to €500

A bill to ban public LGBT parades has been introduced in Hungary’s national parliament. The legislation, drafted by the ruling FIDESZ – Hungarian Civic Union party, proposes a fine of up to 500 euros for those who violate the ban.

The bill, which was discussed by the parliament’s legal committee on March 17, emphasizes that the ban on gay pride parades is intended to protect children, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The document, published on the legislature’s website, amends the law governing the right to assemble and allows police to use visual surveillance equipment to identify violators.

Hungarian authorities stress that they do not restrict the rights of sexual minorities but assert that they do not permit “gender propaganda” targeting children, particularly in schools, on issues such as sex change.

Additionally, the government has indicated its intention to move the LGBT community’s traditional parade away from the centre of Budapest, where it has typically been held, to a more “closed space.” This move has sparked significant disagreements between the Hungarian government and the EU leadership in Brussels.

The Hungarian government also plans to introduce an amendment to the constitution recognizing only two genders, male and female. The government seeks to amend the country’s basic law to prioritize “the right of children to physical, intellectual and moral development” over all other rights, except the right to life.

The Cabinet of Ministers expects the new initiatives to be approved before Easter, which will be celebrated by Christian denominations on April 20, 2025.

In June 2021, Hungary passed a law banning content depicting or promoting homosexuality or gender reassignment from being shared with minors. The country does not recognize same-sex marriage, with the government redefining marriage in the constitution as a union between a man and a woman. Adoption rights for same-sex couples have also been restricted.

Human rights groups have strongly criticized these laws, arguing that they discriminate against the LGBT community. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has reiterated that Hungary will not repeal the legislation, stating that it is necessary to protect children from exposure to such content.

By Tamilla Hasanova