Fact Check: Hungary's new law bans gatherings promoting homosexuality!

Fact Check: Hungary's New Law Bans Gatherings Promoting Homosexuality

What We Know

In March 2025, Hungary's parliament passed a controversial law that effectively bans public events promoting homosexuality, particularly those aimed at minors. This law was framed as a "child protection" measure and stipulates that it is an offense to hold or attend events that "depict or promote" homosexuality to individuals under 18 years old (source-1, source-2). The law has been criticized as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary, which has already seen restrictions on same-sex marriage and adoption (source-4).

Despite the legal ban, the 30th annual Budapest Pride event took place on June 28, 2025, with an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 participants marching in defiance of the government's restrictions (source-3, source-6). The event was marked by significant police presence and warnings of potential legal repercussions for attendees, including fines and prison sentences for organizers (source-4, source-8).

Analysis

The claim that Hungary's new law bans gatherings promoting homosexuality is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The law's specifics indicate a clear intention to restrict LGBTQ+ visibility and rights under the guise of protecting minors. The framing of the law as a "child protection" measure has been widely criticized as a tactic to suppress LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms (source-2, source-6).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations, including the Associated Press, BBC, and Washington Post, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. They provide detailed accounts of the law's implications and the public's response, including the significant turnout at the Pride event despite the legal risks involved (source-1, source-4).

While some may argue that the law is a necessary measure for protecting children, the overwhelming consensus among human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates is that it constitutes a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms. The law has been criticized for fostering an environment of fear and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community (source-3, source-8).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Hungary's new law bans gatherings promoting homosexuality is accurate. The law explicitly prohibits events that depict or promote homosexuality to minors, which has led to significant restrictions on LGBTQ+ public expressions, including the recent Budapest Pride event. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the law's existence and its implications for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.