France, March 19 -- Hungary has enacted a law banning Pride marches across the country, sparking protests in the capital and drawing criticism from rights organisations concerned about restrictions on freedom of assembly.

President Tamas Sulyok signed the legislation on Tuesday after parliament fast-tracked its passage, approving the measure in a 136-27 vote just one day after it was proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's right-wing Fidesz party.

"This is not child protection, this is fascism," Budapest Pride organisers said in a statement.

The new law bans events deemed harmful to children under Hungary's contentious 2021 "child protection" legislation, which prohibits the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality to minors.Protest...