EU Country Strengthens Ban on LGBTQ+ Public Gatherings

(MENAFN) The Hungarian legislature has formally endorsed a constitutional revision that reinforces an existing restriction on LGBTQ+ public demonstrations.

This measure cements a previous law that was already limiting such public expressions within the country.

Last month, Hungarian lawmakers supported new rules that disallow gay pride events and grant law enforcement the ability to utilize facial recognition systems to identify attendees.

Participants may now face penalties amounting to USD500.

These regulations were brought forward by the governing Fidesz party, led by Premier Viktor Orban, who has labeled his leadership as “illiberal” and committed to shielding Hungary’s youth from what he describes as “the international gender network” and “woke ideology.”

On Monday, the Hungarian parliament passed the constitutional amendment with a significant majority—140 in favor and 21 opposed—officially enshrining the restriction into the country’s highest legal document.

Before the vote took place, members of the pro-European Union opposition and LGBTQ+ advocates sought to obstruct access to the parliamentary parking facility to hinder Fidesz representatives from attending the session.

Law enforcement intervened to disperse the demonstrators, some of whom had linked themselves together using zip ties.

Authorities reportedly detained multiple individuals during the action.

Inside the parliament building, opposition representatives attempted to interrupt the legislative process by sounding air horns.

However, the Speaker of the National Assembly proceeded with the session and allowed the vote to continue in spite of the commotion.

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