Budapest LGBTQ+ Parade to Follow Through Despite Presidential Ban
In Budapest, Pride Stands Unbent in Face of Censorship
Yesterday, a record crowd was expected to flock to Budapest's Pride march, defying the controversial ban that stirs up controversy within the EU.
The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, modified laws and the constitution earlier this year, effectively outlawing the annual LGBTQ celebration. Orban, who has been bolstered by Trump's anti-diversity campaign, has been met with protests at home and criticism from the EU and human rights groups.
On Friday, Orban warned attendees to be mindful of "legal consequences" though the police would not disrupt the 30th edition of the Pride march. Yet, over 35,000 individuals gathered in the heart of the city, courageously expressing their support despite the potential fines.
Ministers from several EU countries and European legislators are anticipated to attend the rally, reminiscent of events in Moscow (2006) and Istanbul (2015).
"We are not merely standing up for ourselves; if this law remains unaltered, eastern Europe might face a wave of similar measures," said Viktoria Radvanyi, a Pride organizer.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, had urged the Hungarian administration to reconsider its stance earlier that week. Thirty-three nations voiced their support for the march.
Organizers face up to a year in prison, while participants risk fines up to 500 euros. The updated legislation enables authorities to employ face recognition technology to identify participants at these events. Surveillance cameras springing up on streetlights along the march route add to the looming presence of surveillance.
However, Budapest's opposition mayor, Gergely Karacsony, assured that attendees would face no repercussions since the march, co-organized by the city hall this time, is a municipal event and doesn't require police authorization.
"The police have a single responsibility tomorrow: ensuring the safety of citizens participating in the event," Karacsony stated during a briefing with visiting EU equalities commissioner Hadja Lahbib.
Radical groups have declared counter-protests along the procession's route.
Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson sent a letter to EU embassies, discouraging diplomats and staff from attending due to the police ban. Some EU countries have informed their citizens of the potential fines through travel advisories.
Since Orban returned to power in 2010, Hungary's LGBTQ community has faced a barrage of restrictions. Legal changes have effectively prevented same-sex couples from adopting children and prohibited transgender individuals from altering their names or gender on their official documents. In 2021, a law was enacted to forbid the "display and promotion" of homosexuality to minors.
In 2025, Hungary banned LGBTQ Pride events, employing facial recognition technology to identify attendees and imposing fines on both organizers and participants. This law reinforces a broader pattern under the Orbán administration, which has introduced numerous measures limiting civil rights and legal recognition for LGBTQ people[1].
International human rights organizations, the EU, and many member states have condemned Hungary’s laws as discriminatory[1][2]. The ongoing repression has spurred both domestic demonstrations and international solidarity movements, attracting over 120,000 individuals from 73 countries in support of the Budapest Pride, shaped as a beacon of resilience amidst censorship[1][2].
The ongoing controversy surrounding Budapest's Pride march is a significant topic in the realm of policy-and-legislation, as it highlights the impact of politics on general-news. The EU, European Commission, and various member states have voiced their concerns and support for the event, with some even planning to attend, citing the potential for similar measures in other eastern European countries if Hungary's law remains unaltered.
