20 EU Countries Demand Action Over Hungary LGBTQ Pride Ban

Twenty European Union countries have jointly condemned Hungary's recent laws banning LGBTQ+ Pride marches and restricting LGBTQ+ content, calling these measures a violation of fundamental human rights and EU values. The legislation, signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, imposes fines on organizers and participants of Pride events and permits the use of facial recognition technology to enforce the ban, under the pretext of protecting minors from 'gender ideology.' The EU governments urged Hungary to revise the laws and comply with its international obligations, warning that the European Commission may take legal and financial actions, including withholding subsidies or suspending voting rights, if Hungary fails to amend its stance. This collective response follows Hungary's constitutional amendments recognizing only two sexes, further intensifying concerns about discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The controversy has sparked demonstrations within Hungary and drawn criticism from embassies and human rights advocates across Europe. Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs ministers plan to discuss Hungary's rule of law situation, highlighting the growing tensions between Hungary and other member states over LGBTQ+ rights protections.