Hungary bans Pride parades, to use facial recognition on attendees
What's the story
Hungary has passed a law banning Pride parades, a major blow to the country's LGBTQ+ community.
The new law allows authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and punish participants after the fact.
This is a continuation of PM Viktor Orban's years-long campaign against LGBTQ+ rights.
His government promotes itself as a supporter of traditional family values and defender of Christian civilization against what it calls "gender madness," claiming the regulations are intended to safeguard children from "sexual propaganda."
Legal implications
Law criminalizes participation in events against 'child protection' law
The new law amends Hungary's assembly law, making it a crime to organize or join events that violate the country's controversial "child protection" law.
The law forbids any "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality to minors.
As a result, attending a Pride parade in Hungary could now lead to a fine of 200,000 Hungarian forints (roughly $550).
Defiance
Budapest Pride organizers vow to proceed with event
Despite the new law, the organizers of the Budapest Pride parade have vowed to go ahead with their parade.
"This is not child protection; this is fascism. The government is trying to restrict peaceful protests with a critical voice by targeting a minority."
They added they will continue to fight as a movement for all Hungarians' right to demonstrate freely.
Anniversary celebration
Budapest Pride marks 30 years of advocacy
Budapest Pride is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, representing the community's continuous fight for freedom, safety, and equal rights.
The celebration comes even as those in power consistently attempt to strip them of their dignity.
After the law's passage, several thousand protesters gathered outside Hungary's parliament chanting anti-government slogans and later blocked traffic on Margaret Bridge over the Danube River.
Human rights response
Amnesty International condemns Hungary's new law
Amnesty International has condemned the new law, saying its justification—that events and assemblies would be "harmful to children"—is rooted in harmful stereotypes and deep-rooted discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia.
Calling this law a "full-frontal attack on the LGBTI community," it said it blatantly violates Hungary's obligations to prohibit discrimination while ensuring freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.