A new law passed in Hungary has banned Pride Marches and granted authorities the power to identify individuals attending prohibited events using facial recognition technology. The legislation, supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban’s Fidesz Party and minority coalition partner Christian Democrats, passed in parliament with 136 votes in favor and 27 against. It was fast-tracked and approved within a single day. The new law amends Hungary’s assembly law by criminalizing events that contradict the existing ‘child protection’ law and participating in such events. Hungary’s child protection law prohibits the display or promotion of homosexuality to individuals under 18 years old.

According to the law, individuals attending banned events will be fined up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately 20,000 Turkish Lira), with the fines directly allocated to the “child protection” fund. Additionally, authorities will be authorized to use facial recognition technology to identify participants in prohibited events. Hours after the vote, over a thousand protesters gathered in front of the Hungarian Parliament, chanting anti-government slogans. The crowd began the protest by blocking traffic on the Margaret Bridge over the Danube River. Opposition lawmakers who opposed the law set off smoke bombs in rainbow colors inside the parliament session.