More than 1,000 protesters gathered hours after the vote outside Hungary’s parliament in opposition to the measures. Chanting anti-government slogans, they then marched to the Margaret Bridge over the Danube and blocked traffic, drawing a big police presence.
The move by Hungarian lawmakers is part of a crackdown on the country's LGBTQ community by the nationalist conservative party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The measure in Hungary passed in a 136-27 vote. The law, supported by Orbán’s Fidesz party and their minority coalition partner the Christian Democrats, was moved through parliament in an accelerated procedure after being submitted on Monday.
Opposing legislators led a vivid protest in the legislature involving rainbow-colored smoke bombs.
The bill amends Hungary’s law on assembly to make it an offense to hold or attend events that violate Hungary’s child protection legislation, which prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under 18.
Attending a prohibited event will carry fines up to $546 (US), which the state must forward to “child protection,” according to the text of the law. Authorities may use facial recognition tools to identify individuals attending a prohibited event.
