Hungarian Parliament votes to ban gay pride parades in the country

Opposition lawmakers brought colored smoke flares into the chamber in protest against the LGBT propaganda ban in Hungary. Photo: svtv

The Hungarian Parliament has passed legislation banning gay pride parades in the country. According to the bill’s summary, published on the official parliamentary website, the amendments affect several laws, including the Civil Code and previously adopted legislation on the freedom of assembly.

One of the key amendments prohibits holding “gatherings in violation of the Child Protection Act” and obliges regional authorities to ban such events.

Local media report that this amendment specifically targets LGBT parades. Violators may face fines and compulsory labor, while law enforcement will be granted the authority to disperse such demonstrations.

The bill was passed with 136 votes in favor and 27 against. In protest, a member of the opposition brought colored smoke flares into the parliamentary chamber and played the Soviet anthem. Despite the demonstration, the bill was sent to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his signature. The amendments will come into force 24 hours after being signed by the head of government.

Lawmakers are also discussing potential amendments to the Constitution, including provisions to “protect the institution of marriage as a union between a man and a woman,” to affirm “children’s right to self-identification in accordance with their sex at birth and upbringing based on identity and Christian cultural values,” and to ban the production, use, dissemination, and “promotion” of drugs.

As previously reported, Hungary’s ruling coalition introduced the bill banning LGBT parades to Parliament on March 17, 2025. The bill proposes classifying the organization or attendance of events that violate the country’s child protection law – which prohibits the promotion or display of homosexuality to minors – as a legal offense.

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