Thousands of protesters gathered in Hungary’s capital for the fourth consecutive week on Tuesday to voice their opposition to a new law enacted by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s nationalist government. The controversial law bans LGBTQ+ Pride events and prohibits any events that depict homosexuality for individuals under the age of 18. Critics argue that this move is a direct attack on Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and an unjust restriction on the right to assemble.
The legislation has been fast-tracked through parliament, leading to accusations that Orbán’s government is undermining democracy ahead of the national elections next year. The law also allows authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify individuals attending banned events, with offenders facing fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (€490).
Protestors filled the Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River, demanding the repeal of the law. Despite police orders to disperse, demonstrators have continued their protests, with reports of plans to block all five central Danube bridges. In a rare instance of protest outside the capital, several hundred demonstrators in Miskolc also took to the streets in opposition to the law.
The government has defended the legislation, claiming it is aimed at protecting children from “sexual propaganda.” However, critics argue that the law is part of a broader strategy to rally Orbán’s conservative base, given his party’s struggles in the polls. Protestors remain determined to stand up for the rights of minorities and fundamental freedoms, despite the government’s attempts to suppress their voices.
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