Fact Check: Attending Pride could lead to fines up to 200,000 forints!

Fact Check: "Attending Pride could lead to fines up to 200,000 forints!"

What We Know

The claim that attending Pride in Hungary could result in fines of up to 200,000 forints is grounded in recent legislative changes. In March 2025, the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, passed a law that explicitly prohibits events depicting or promoting homosexuality to minors under the age of 18. This law was described as a direct attack on the Budapest Pride event, which was subsequently outlawed (source-1, source-2). According to the law, individuals caught attending the Pride event could face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints, equivalent to approximately $586 (source-1, source-2).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is based on official legislative actions taken by the Hungarian government. The law, which was fast-tracked through parliament, specifically targets events like Pride that are perceived to conflict with the government's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and children's moral development (source-1, source-2).

The sources cited are credible, coming from established news organizations like NPR and The Washington Post, which have a reputation for thorough reporting and fact-checking. Both articles confirm that the fines for attending such events are indeed stipulated in the new law, and they provide context regarding the broader implications of this legislation on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.

However, it is essential to note that the enforcement of these fines and the actual consequences faced by individuals attending the Pride event may vary. While the law sets a clear penalty, the political climate and public response to the event could influence how strictly these penalties are applied.

Conclusion

The claim that attending Pride could lead to fines of up to 200,000 forints is True. The Hungarian government's recent legislation explicitly states that participation in such events can result in significant fines, reflecting a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The evidence from reliable sources confirms the accuracy of this claim.