Hungary: Global fight back begins as anti-Pride law comes into effect
As discriminatory legislation that could be used to ban Pride marches in Hungary comes into effect today, Amnesty International has announced the launch of an international campaign calling on the Hungarian authorities to “Let Pride March”.
The campaign, launched tomorrow in the run up to the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride, is calling on the city’s chief of police to enable people to take part in Pride safely, free from intimidation, harassment or violence. It is also encouraging people around the world to show support and solidarity with LGBTI people and their allies in Hungary.
Under the terms of the new anti-Pride law, which was rushed through parliament in March in an expedited procedure without consultation – it is ‘forbidden to hold an assembly in violation’ of 2021 legislation banning the ‘depiction and promotion’ of homosexuality and diverse gender identities to people under 18. Under the law, the authorities have the power to use facial recognition technology to identify participants and to fine those who participate in any prohibited assembly. According to the Criminal Code, organizers of an assembly which is banned risk criminal charges and up to one year imprisonment.
The new law also widens the conditions under which the police may disperse a notified assembly. An unlawful dispersal of Pride participants could create unrest, tensions and possible escalation of violence. Amnesty International is calling on the police to respect, protect and facilitate people’s right to protest as required by their obligations under international law.
