EU Commissioner Commends Hungarian Public Citizens for Their Demonstration of Pride - EU Commissioner commends Hungarian public for their societal demonstration at Pride event
In the midst of ongoing tension between the European Union (EU) and Hungary, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has expressed strong support for the rights of sexual minorities, particularly in the context of the mass demonstration in Budapest. The demonstration, which took place last weekend and marked the largest Pride parade in the 30-year history of the movement in Hungary with over 200,000 participants, was met with resistance from the Hungarian government.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attempted to prevent the parade as part of a homophobic campaign, implementing restrictive laws against LGBTQ+ rights, including banning LGBTQ+ content accessible to children and limiting Pride-related visibility. These laws, which prohibit the promotion of homosexuality and gender transition to minors in media, have sparked concerns of discrimination and repression against LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary.
In response, the European Union's highest court, the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU), through its Advocate General Tamara Ćapeta, has issued a legal opinion stating that Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ laws violate EU law. The opinion highlights that Hungary's rules are based on discriminatory value judgments, treating homosexual and non-cisgender lives as unequal to heterosexual and cisgender lives. A final ruling is anticipated that could compel Hungary to repeal or amend these controversial laws.
The EU Commission, under Commissioner McGrath, has also been proactive in addressing these issues. The Commission is preparing its 2026-2030 LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, aiming to reaffirm and strengthen the EU’s role in advancing human rights and combating discrimination across member states, including Hungary. This strategy seeks to build on previous efforts from the 2020-2025 strategy and addresses the external dimension of LGBTIQ rights globally while acknowledging the growing hostility faced by LGBTIQ movements.
Commissioner McGrath, in his statements, has reiterated that the EU did not orchestrate the mass demonstrations in Budapest. However, he expressed appreciation for the demonstrations supporting the rights of sexual minorities and emphasized the importance of European fundamental rights, specifically the right to assembly. McGrath stated that no one should fear if people gather peacefully, as it is a fundamental right in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Commissioner's statements suggest a potential impact on Hungary's access to EU funds due to the rule of law concerns. McGrath asserted that not a single euro should flow to countries where the rule of law is not respected. The context of the statements indicates a continued focus on democratic principles and the rule of law in EU-Hungary relations. The German Press Agency reported the statements made by Commissioner McGrath.
In summary, freedom rights for LGBTQ+ people in the EU are under strain in Hungary, with legal challenges against anti-LGBTQ+ laws underway at the EU level, and the European Commission actively developing strategic plans to bolster rights and equality across the Union. The response from EU institutions reflects firm opposition to restrictions on Pride demonstrations and LGBTQ+ freedoms, emphasizing equality, inclusion, and adherence to EU law.
- The EU Commissioner Michael McGrath's 2026-2030 LGBTIQ Equality Strategy aims to reinforce the EU's role in promoting human rights and combating discrimination, particularly in member states like Hungary, where the rights of sexual minorities are under threat.
- European fundamental rights, such as the right to assembly, are at the heart of Commissioner McGrath's statements, with implications for Hungary's access to EU funds, as he believes that no money should flow to countries that do not respect the rule of law.
