Critics believe that a new Hungarian law could effectively ban Pride events. Passed in April, the legislation allows authorities to block public gatherings that are seen to violate a child’s right to “moral, physical and spiritual development”.
New law that could fine organisers and participants
The law also permits fines for organisers and participants of such events. It allows the use of facial recognition software to identify attendants (according to AP News). Critics say the vague wording of the law gives officials scope to suppress LGBTQ gatherings.
Hungary’s government denies this. “There is no such thing in Hungary as a Pride ban,” said EU affairs minister János Bóka. He claims the law has been misunderstood.
Budapest PrideEU backlash
But other EU countries aren’t happy. In a joint declaration, at least 20 out of 27 member states – including France, Germany and Spain – urged Hungary to reverse the law, calling it a threat to “human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights.”
Sweden’s EU affairs minister Jessica Rosencrantz said the bloc must take stronger action. “We have to act strongly against countries not living up to our common principles.” The European Commission is now reviewing the law.
Democracy commissioner Michael McGrath said “serious concerns” have been raised, and warned that the EU is prepared to intervene.
EU Commission headquarters, BrusselsHungary’s largest LGBTQ event is Budapest Pride, held annually since 1997. It includes a week-long festival of cultural and activist events, culminating in a march through the city. In recent years, it has drawn thousands of participants – and heavy police presence due to counter-protests.
The law that critics say could be used to ban this event is part of a wider crackdown. A second draft bill would allow the government to monitor and penalise organisations it deems harmful to national sovereignty. According to EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, the bill would violate the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for DemocracyHungary is already blocked from accessing €18bn in EU funds over rule-of-law breaches. The country has increasingly clashed with EU partners over LGBTQ rights, Ukraine aid and alleged lack of press freedom.
Hungary’s family focus – and the events that come with it
The country has turned its attention towards family policy, incentivising young couples to marry and have children. So far, the rate of marriage has almost doubled.
On 1-2 April 2025, the Danube Institute in Hungary held the Family Formation and the Future conference. The event attracted leading thinkers in family policy from across Europe and the world – including former Swedish MP Erik Almqvist, Hungarian Minister for Culture Balázs Hankó, economist Philip Pilkington and US Embassy official Robert Palladino.
We can expect to see more conferences specialising in demographic issues, fertility, marriage and family policy coming to Hungary in coming years. Pride events, on the other hand, may be steering clear.
