The European Union has strongly criticised Hungary after its parliament passed a law banning Pride celebrations and allowing law enforcement to use facial recognition technology to track attendees.
E.U. Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib took to social media to reaffirm the bloc’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, stating:
“We stand with the LGBTQI community – in Hungary & in all Member States. The right to gather peacefully is a fundamental right to be championed across the European Union.”
Hungary’s Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Events
Hungary’s new law prohibits individuals from attending or organising events that include a “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality if minors could be present. The law was introduced on Monday and passed the following day in an expedited process.
Those who violate the ban face fines of approximately $550, while law enforcement has been granted the authority to use facial recognition technology to identify and track participants.
This measure expands upon Hungary’s controversial 2021 “child protection” law, which already bans any mention of LGBTQ+ people in schools and restricts media portrayals of identities that “deviate from sex at birth.”
E.U. Response and Potential Action
The European Commission, the executive branch of the E.U., has yet to announce legal action against Hungary regarding the latest law, as it has not been officially enacted. However, spokesperson Stefan de Keersmaecker emphasised the E.U.’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights:
“It’s extremely important as far as we’re concerned to fight any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. We are waiting for the right approach and to make sure that Hungary is in line with the obligations that exist here on this front.”
Hungary is already facing legal challenges from the E.U. over its 2021 child protection law, and billions of euros in E.U. funds have been withheld from the country due to concerns over rule of law violations.
Ongoing LGBTQ+ Rights Concerns in Hungary
Hungary’s government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has been steadily eroding LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, framing restrictive laws as measures to protect children and traditional family values.
LGBTQ+ advocates and human rights organisations have condemned the latest move as a direct attack on fundamental freedoms, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for other countries in the region.
With the E.U. increasing pressure on Hungary over its human rights record, the coming weeks will determine whether legal action will follow against the country for its latest crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
