A new law passed in Hungary prohibits Pride Marches and grants authorities the power to identify individuals participating in banned events using facial recognition technology.

Under the LGBTQ+ hostile law passed by the Hungarian parliament, Pride Marches were banned and officials were authorized to identify those attending such events using facial recognition software. The law was passed with 136 votes in favor and 27 against in parliament. The bill, supported by Hungarian leader Victor Orban’s Fidesz Party and minority coalition partner Christian Democrats, was debated under an accelerated procedure and approved by the parliament in just one day. The new law amends Hungary’s assembly laws by organizing events that conflict with the existing ‘child protection’ law in the country and criminalizing participation in such events. Hungary’s child protection law prohibits the display or promotion of homosexuality to individuals under the age of 18.FINES TO CHILD PROTECTION FUND

According to the new law, those participating in banned events will be fined up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately 20,000 Turkish Lira). According to the text of the law, these fines will be transferred directly to the “child protection” fund. Furthermore, authorities will be granted the power to use facial recognition technology to identify individuals attending banned events. Hours after the vote, more than a thousand protesters gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament building. The crowd began protesting with anti-government slogans and later marched to the Margaret Bridge over the Danube River, blocking traffic. Opposition lawmakers who opposed the law set off rainbow-colored smoke bombs during the parliamentary session.