Festival of Freedom and Love: Glucksmann Urges Tougher Stance Against Orbán's Anti-LGBTQ Policies
Budapest LGBTQ+ Pride Parade: MEP Glucksmann Urges Increased Pressure on Orban's Government Regarding Rights Violations - Budapest's Pride Parade sparks call for increased pressure on Orban by MEP Glucksmann
In the heart of Budapest, thousands gathered to show their solidarity and defiance against the restrictive measures imposed by Hungary's reigning government under Prime Minister Orbán. According to Glucksmann, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), the government has become accustomed to the lack of consequences, continuing to curtail the rights of LGBTQ individuals while hiding behind the veil of "child protection."
Crystallizing the situation, Glucksmann emphasized that it was high time for the European Commission and fellow EU leaders to increase pressure on Orbán's administration to protect democratic values and prevent the undermining of the European Union itself.
Orbán's government has been at the center of controversy for its years-long campaign against LGBTQ rights, culminating in the passage of a law that effectively banned the annual Pride Parade in March. Despite Orbán's assurances of peace and legal repercussions for participants, those involved in this year's event face fines of up to 500 euros, and organizers could even face a year in prison. This has not deterred the protesters, as more than 35,000 people are expected to participate in the Pride Parade, making it a powerful symbol against Orbán's policies.
This year, the Budapest Pride is more than just a celebration—it's an inspiring international declaration, said Viktoria Radványi, the Pride's president. Alongside Glucksmann, dozens of MEPs and several foreign ministers will attend the event, underscoring its remarkable significance. In the face of Orbán's anti-LGBTQ laws, the event represents a substantial international statement, defying the repressive measures enacted by the government.
- Raphaël Glucksmann
- Viktor Orbán
- European Commission
- EU
- Budapest
- AFP
Enrichment Data:
- In the past, Orbán's government has utilized its power to restrict LGBTQ rights, as evidenced by a constitutional amendment banning public assemblies that support LGBTQ causes, resulting in protests and police crackdowns, including the use of facial recognition technology to monitor attendees of banned Pride events[1].
- Although the official Budapest Pride march was banned in June 2025, citing concerns about minors, a far-right extremist hate group was permitted to march on the traditional route without police intervention[2][1].
- The European Commission and EU leaders have expressed strong criticism and concern regarding Hungary's anti-LGBTQ legislation, which they view as an attack on fundamental EU values and human rights. The increased pressure from the European Commission and solidarity shown by EU states underline ongoing efforts to hold Hungary accountable for breaching EU principles on equality and human rights[1][2].
The MEPs call for a European Parliament and Council to be consulted on the future of the European Union, as the current policies and politics concerning the situation of LGBTQ rights in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government have become a topic of general news and a concern for the protection of democratic values and the prevention of the undermining of the European Union itself.
In the midst of Orbán's government's anti-LGBTQ policies, such as the ban on the annual Pride Parade, the Budapest Pride this year serves as an inspiring international declaration, defying the repressive measures enacted by the government, and it represents a substantial international statement supported by the attendance of various MEPs and foreign ministers, along with the increased pressure from the European Commission and EU leaders.
