Protests in Budapest intensified as demonstrators gathered to express opposition to recently passed legislation that allows the government to ban Pride events.

The protest, organized by the political party Momentum under the slogan "Gathering is a Fundamental Right – Let’s Stand Up for Our Freedom,” commenced at Kossuth Square at 5 PM on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the Hungarian National Assembly approved the controversial law in an extraordinary session, passing with 136 votes in favor and 27 against.

The proposal garnered support not only from the ruling party factions but also from the far-right Mi Hazánk party and Jobbik, which had entered the parliament through a united opposition list.

During the parliamentary vote, Momentum party members staged a protest that included burning smoke bombs and playing the Soviet national anthem while throwing images of Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin among the seats.

At Kossuth Square, Momentum's parliamentary faction leader, Dávid Bedő, labeled the day a sad occasion and directed his remarks towards political parties that had been invited to join the demonstration but did not attend.

He expressed concerns over a perceived retreat from democratic values, stating, "There is no retreat left."

Bedő announced plans for Momentum to participate in the July Pride event and pledged to establish a fund to assist individuals fined under the new law.

Independent representative Ákos Hadházy followed with his remarks, asserting that the law is not merely anti-Pride or anti-LGBTQ+, but rather a move against democracy that signifies a step toward a 'techno-fascism' similar to China's.

After Hadházy's speech, protesters proceeded to Margit Bridge, but were met with a police blockade barring entry onto the bridge.

The police had also restricted vehicle access, redirecting motorists and preventing pedestrians from reaching the bridge.

Dávid Bedő indicated that the demonstrators planned to hold a blockade on the bridge for one hour, and police called on protesters to cease their unauthorized activities.

In response, attendees chanted and sang national songs, including "Kossuth Lullaby" and the national anthem.

Simultaneously, other protest groups, including anarchists, began gathering at Szabadság Square with plans to march to the Parliament and then join the protesters at Margit Bridge.

By 7 PM, the two groups had converged and chants against the ruling party intensified, characterized by slogans like "disgusting Fidesz" and "we have had enough."

As tensions escalated, Hadházy urged the crowd to remain peaceful yet resolute, reiterating, "We will not open up the lanes,” to the police.

By 7 PM, although police continued to request the crowd to disperse, demonstrators remained steadfast, chanting, "We will not go home."

Throughout the evening, the situation on the bridge turned increasingly tense.

The police issued repeated warnings, urging demonstrators to move away from the barricade and to refrain from any physical confrontation.

The protesters reacted with loud jeers and accusations, chanting back at the officers.

Shortly after 8 PM, individuals began attempting to breach the police lines, but remained unsuccessful, and police continued to push the crowd back.

The demonstrators were firm in their resistance, with a call for reinforcements echoing through the crowd, suggesting many were en route to join them.

Around 9:20 PM, there appeared to be brief opportunities for the protesters to cross, but police movements suggested efforts to encircle the demonstrators.

As the evening wore on, the situation stabilized into a standoff, with both sides remaining resolute, and the bridge remained entirely closed off to foot traffic as well as vehicles.