Fact Check: Hungary's New Law Restricts Gatherings Promoting Homosexuality
What We Know
In March 2025, Hungary's parliament passed a law that effectively bans public events portraying or allegedly promoting homosexuality, particularly targeting gatherings aimed at minors under 18 years old. This legislation was adopted under the guise of a "child protection act" and has been criticized for infringing on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and limiting freedom of assembly (Washington Post, NBC News). The law allows authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and penalize participants in events that violate these restrictions (Reuters, Human Rights Watch).
The law's adoption has been viewed as part of a broader strategy by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government to consolidate power and appeal to conservative voters, particularly in light of rising competition from other right-wing parties (Washington Post, NBC News). Critics argue that these measures are reminiscent of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in countries like Russia and serve to scapegoat sexual minorities (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that Hungary's new law restricts gatherings promoting homosexuality is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The law explicitly targets events that "depict or promote" homosexuality, which has been interpreted as a direct attack on Pride events and similar gatherings (NBC News, Human Rights Watch).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is high. Major news outlets such as the Washington Post and NBC News have covered the law extensively, providing detailed accounts of its implications and the context surrounding its enactment. Additionally, organizations like Human Rights Watch offer insights into the broader human rights implications of such legislation, further supporting the claim (Human Rights Watch).
Critics of the law, including LGBTQ+ advocates and European Union officials, have expressed strong opposition, highlighting the law's potential to incite discrimination and violence against sexual minorities (NBC News, Human Rights Watch). The Hungarian government's justification for the law, claiming it protects children, has been widely criticized as a pretext for suppressing dissent and curtailing freedoms.
Conclusion
The claim that Hungary's new law restricts gatherings promoting homosexuality is True. The evidence clearly shows that the law was designed to limit public expressions of LGBTQ+ identities, particularly in contexts involving minors. The widespread condemnation from both domestic and international observers further underscores the law's repressive nature and its implications for civil liberties in Hungary.
