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Notes on Hungarian politics and visiting Hungary.
LGBTQA+ rights in Hungary have steadily eroded under Viktor Orbán’s government. In recent years, the government has introduced laws that limit visibility and restrict rights. The latest development, a nationwide ban on Pride events and the use of facial recognition to track attendees represents another step in this trend.
Legal and Political Landscape
Hungary decriminalized homosexuality in 1961 and introduced legal protections against discrimination in employment in 2003. Same-sex couples can enter registered partnerships, but marriage and adoption remain off-limits. In 2020, the government banned legal gender recognition for transgender and intersex people.
In 2021, Hungary passed a law banning the portrayal of LGBTQ+ topics in materials accessible to minors, restricting education, media, and advertising. This was widely criticized by the European Union and human rights organizations, who compared it to Russia’s "gay propaganda" law. (The Guardian)
Recent Restrictions
In March 2025, the government banned all Pride events across Hungary. Authorities have also been given the power to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees, who may face fines or other penalties. This has raised concerns about privacy and the right to peaceful assembly. Amnesty International and the European Commission have condemned the move. (AP News)
Community Impact
The combination of legal restrictions and government rhetoric has led to an increase in discrimination and hostility toward LGBTQ+ people. Organizations providing support services report a rise in mental health concerns and requests for legal help. Some LGBTQ+ individuals are choosing to leave Hungary due to the worsening climate.
At the same time, advocacy groups such as the Háttér Society continue to provide legal assistance and mental health support. Budapest Pride organizers have stated that they will not cancel the event, despite the ban. Protests have taken place, with demonstrators gathering outside Parliament and opposition politicians voicing concerns over the law.
Looking Ahead
Hungary’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights have already led to EU legal action and funding cuts, but the government remains committed to its policies. Future changes will likely depend on political shifts, legal challenges, and continued international pressure. In the meantime, advocacy groups and individuals continue to push back against policies that limit LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
What does this mean when visiting Hungary and Gyula as a queer person?
Before coming to the residency, you should be aware of the current political climate and how it may impact your safety and experience. Visiting Hungary as a queer person is a personal decision, and only you can weigh the risks against your own comfort and safety. While the political climate is increasingly restrictive, many queer people here continue to live full, vibrant lives, building community and resisting erasure in their own ways. Choosing to be here means acknowledging the challenges and the resilience of those who call this place home.More reading: