Fact Check: Hungary's new law criminalizes LGBTQ events for minors.

Fact Check: Hungary's New Law Criminalizes LGBTQ Events for Minors

What We Know

On March 18, 2025, Hungary's parliament passed a controversial law that effectively bans Pride events and similar gatherings, specifically targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This law amends existing legislation on assembly, making it an offense to hold or attend events that violate Hungary's "child protection" laws, which prohibit the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality to minors under 18 (AP News, Human Rights Watch). The law imposes fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately $546) for attending such events and allows authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify participants (AP News, CNN).

The legislation was pushed through parliament with significant speed, passing with a vote of 136-27, and has been met with widespread protests from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies (AP News, Human Rights Watch). Critics argue that the law is part of a broader campaign by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government to suppress LGBTQ+ rights and silence dissent against their policies (Human Rights Watch, Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that Hungary's new law criminalizes LGBTQ events for minors is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The law explicitly prohibits events that promote LGBTQ+ rights under the guise of child protection, which has been criticized as a tactic to scapegoat the LGBTQ+ community (Human Rights Watch, AP News). The rapid passage of the law, described as "draconian" by human rights organizations, raises concerns about the government's disregard for democratic processes and civil liberties (Human Rights Watch, CNN).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. Both the Associated Press and Human Rights Watch are well-respected organizations known for their rigorous reporting and advocacy for human rights. The information presented aligns with reports from other reputable outlets, including CNN and Reuters, which corroborate the details of the law and the public's reaction (AP News, CNN, Reuters). The law's implications have also drawn criticism from various human rights advocates and organizations, indicating a consensus on its negative impact on LGBTQ+ rights (Human Rights Watch, CNN).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Hungary's new law criminalizes LGBTQ events for minors is accurate. The law not only bans Pride events but also imposes penalties for participation, effectively criminalizing public support for LGBTQ+ rights under the pretext of protecting children. This legislation represents a significant step backward for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary and has sparked considerable backlash from both domestic and international communities.