Dear Readers,
In the latest Sincerely Doubt That … blog post, let’s explore the Hungarian Parliament's latest human rights violation—the ban on the Budapest Pride event.
The Hungarian Parliament has done it again. On 18 March, the parliament passed a law banning the Pride march for the LGBTQ+ community. The bill was submitted just a day earlier by Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, which holds a two-thirds majority, and was fast-tracked for a vote the very next day, resulting in 136 votes in favor and 27 against. The law came into effect on 19 March.
Under the guise of protecting children, the government is restricting the right to assemble, plans to use facial recognition technology, and threatens participants with fines of up to 200,000 HUF (EUR 500). This is the government’s latest homophobic move, disguised as child protection. They claim that this event "promotes homosexuality," which is categorically false.
As the 2026 elections approach, with polls showing Péter Magyar's Tisza party is ahead of Fidesz, it is suggested by some that this law is a desperate attempt to win far-right votes. However, Hungarian society is far less homophobic than its government, and now is the perfect time to show that by supporting the LGBTQ+ communities. If you can, attend the march as a form of peaceful protest against the violation of the right to assemble.
This legislation amends Hungary’s law on assembly, making it a crime to organise and an offence to participate in events that contradict the country’s controversial "child protection" legislation, which prohibits the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality to minors under the age of 18. Amnesty International condemned the legislation, stating: “This law is a full-frontal attack on the LGBTQI community and a blatant violation of Hungary’s obligations to prohibit discrimination and guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Hadja Lahbib, the EU commissioner for equality, also expressed her disapproval, posting: “Everyone should be able to be who they are, live & love freely. The right to gather peacefully is a fundamental right to be championed across the European Union. We stand with the LGBTQI community – in Hungary & in all member states.”
The ban on Pride, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June, is just the latest in a troubling series of measures by Viktor Orbán and his rightwing populist party that seem to encourage homophobia and transphobia. Back in 2020, laws were passed that not only prevented same-sex couples from adopting children but also stripped away legal recognition for transgender people. Orbán's government has long positioned itself as a protector of what it calls "traditional family values" and "Christian civilisation," claiming that these are under attack by what they refer to as “gender madness.” In line with this narrative, the 2021 Child Protection law was introduced, claiming to fight against "moral deviations" by banning the "depiction and promotion" of homosexuality in materials accessible to minors—this includes books, films, and TV shows.
What can we do?
I wholeheartedly recommend supporting the LGBTQ+ community by peacefully protesting and attending the Pride event, even in the face of facial recognition technology and the threat of fines. There is strength in numbers, and by showing up, we can make it clear that we want to live in a diverse and inclusive society.
Supporting organizations like Hungarian LGBT Alliance, Hatter Society, and Szivárvány Misszió can also be instrumental in creating change. These groups work tirelessly to promote LGBTQ+ rights, provide resources, and protect individuals from discrimination. You can contribute to their efforts through donations, volunteering, or amplifying their messages.
Furthermore, raising awareness and educating others about the LGBTQ+ community is essential, especially in a country where the government’s narrative is so divisive. Share information, engage in conversations, and push for legislation that respects the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Yours Sincerely,
BB
Sources
Telex. (2025, March 12). Tisza ahead of Fidesz by 9 percentage points among certain voters, survey shows. Telex. Retrieved from https://telex.hu/english/2025/03/12/tisza-ahead-of-fidesz-by-9-percentage-points-among-certain-voters-survey-shows
Reuters. (2025, March 18). Hungary passes law to ban Pride march, adopts resolution opposing EU defence. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-passes-law-ban-pride-march-adopts-resolution-opposing-eu-defence-2025-03-18/
The Guardian. (2025, March 18). Hungary bans Pride events and plans to use facial recognition to target attenders. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/hungary-bans-pride-events-and-plans-to-use-facial-recognition-to-target-attenders
Telex. (2025, March 19). Hungarian Parliament adopts law banning Pride. Telex. Retrieved from https://telex.hu/english/2025/03/19/hungarian-parliament-adopts-law-banning-pride
EU News. (2025, March 17). Hungary government introduces bill to ban Pride in Budapest. EU News. Retrieved from https://www.eunews.it/en/2025/03/17/hungary-government-introduces-bill-to-ban-pride-in-budapest/
Euronews. (2025, March 18). Hungary passes law banning Pride events in new blow to LGBTQ+ rights. Euronews. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/18/hungary-passes-law-banning-pride-events-in-new-blow-to-lgbtq-rights
HVG. (2025, March 13). Publicus: Half of Hungarians are against the Pride ban. HVG. Retrieved from https://hvg.hu/itthon/20250313_Publicus-a-magyarok-fele-a-Pride-betiltasa-ellen-van?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Sincerely Doubt That. (2025, February). Opinion: EU's Most Corrupt Country. Retrieved from https://isincerelydoubtthat.blogspot.com/2025/02/opinion-eus-most-corrupt-country.html
Magyar Narancs. (2025, March 13). Péter Magyar on protesting the Pride ban: Opposition methods only serve Orbán's hold on power. Magyar Narancs. Retrieved from https://magyarnarancs.hu/belpol/magyar-peter-a-pride-betiltasa-elleni-tiltakozasrol-az-oellenzeki-modszerek-csak-orbanek-hatalomban-tartasat-szolgaljak-275354
Amnesty International. (2025, March). Hungary’s Pride ban is a full-frontal attack on LGBTI people and must not be signed into law. Amnesty International. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/hungary-pride-ban-is-full-frontal-attack-on-lgbti-people-and-must-not-be-signed-into-law/
LGBTQ+ Alliance Hungary. SzMA - Member Organizations. Retrieved from https://lmbtszovetseg.hu/szovetsegunk/tagszervezetek/szma
Hatter Society. Homepage. Retrieved from https://en.hatter.hu/
LGBTQ+ Alliance Hungary. Homepage. Retrieved from https://en.lmbtszovetseg.hu/
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