Thousands protest in Budapest against law banning Pride

26/3/2025 6:51

Thousands of people protested in Budapest on Tuesday against a new law that aims to ban the annual Pride march by LGBTQ+ communities and allows the use of facial recognition software to identify organizers and attendees.



Hungary's parliament passed a law proposed by ruling Fidesz party lawmakers last week to ban the Pride march on the grounds that it could be harmful to children.



Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces an unprecedented challenge from a new surging opposition party ahead of 2026 elections, has criticised the LGBTQ+ community and pledged to crack down on foreign funding of independent media and non-governmental organizations in Hungary in recent weeks as part of his campaign.



Orban, who has been in power since 2010, promotes a Christian-conservative agenda.