Protests Erupt Against Hungary's LGBTQ+ Law: A Battle for Democracy and Rights

Several thousand protested in Hungary's capital against a law banning LGBTQ+ events, citing a threat to democracy and rights. The law, fast-tracked by the Fidesz party, restricts assembly and mirrors Russia's LGBTQ+ policies. Demonstrators decry the measures as technologically intrusive and discriminatory.

Thousands of protesters clogged major routes and three bridges in Hungary's capital on Tuesday, rallying against a recent law that effectively bans LGBTQ+ Pride events. The measure, seen as a crackdown on democratic rights, was expedited by Hungary's ruling Fidesz party using its parliamentary majority.

Chanting democracy-related slogans, demonstrators spilled onto bustling streets, releasing colorful smoke bombs and halting traffic. Protestors later seized three city bridges over the Danube, confronting police barriers. Among them, Paula Antalfy, 26, argued that the government's actions threaten to erode democratic freedoms further.

The law amends assembly rules to criminalize events violating child protection laws that ban LGBTQ+ promotion. Authorities can employ facial recognition to identify attendees of banned events like Budapest Pride and fine them. Critics denounce the law as targeting minorities for political gain, reflecting wider discriminatory trends.

(With inputs from agencies.)