In Budapest, a vibrant crowd gathered for the 30th annual Pride march, an event marked by both celebration and protest. The atmosphere was charged with the colors of rainbow flags and chants of defiance as demonstrators made their way through the city in the heat.
Participants displayed a range of messages: signs proclaimed “Solidarity with Budapest Pride” alongside images of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán crossed out. The march included families with children, teenagers adorned in capes, and older residents walking shoulder to shoulder with activists.
As the procession traversed from the historic center to the riverside, its numbers swelled, asserting a presence in public spaces intended to be reclaimed from restrictive legislation.
This year’s march took place despite a police ban stemming from new laws that prohibit LGBTQ+ events across Hungary. Eszter Rein Bodi, an attendee, expressed to Reuters that “this is about much more, not just about homosexuality … This is the last moment to stand up for our rights.”
Krisztina Aranyi also voiced her concerns, stating, “the right to assembly is a basic human right, and I don’t think it should be banned,” adding that disagreement with a protest’s purpose does not negate the right to demonstrate.
Attendees proudly displayed homemade banners, with messages such as “Transgender people are a blessing on this earth” and “Proud. United. Equal in every corner of the EU.” Reports indicated that at least 70 members of the European Parliament are expected to join the procession.
Dutch MEP van Sparrentak noted her attendance is meant to “support the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary, to let them know that they are not alone (and) to be visible as a community.” She emphasized the protest nature of Pride, warning that if Orbán can prohibit Budapest Pride without repercussions, it threatens the future of all Pride events.
In March, Hungarian lawmakers enacted legislation restricting Pride events and enabling facial recognition technology to surveil participants, steps activists contest as both illegal and part of a broader crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed support for a new ban aimed at gatherings deemed to “violate child protection laws.” This move aligns with his government’s strong Christian and conservative policies.
In response to the ban, Budapest witnessed vibrant protests in March, with organizers of the city’s Pride festival pledging to move forward with the event despite the legislation. They asserted, “We will fight this new fascist ban.”
Additionally, a petition urging law enforcement to oppose the ban has garnered over 120,000 signatures from individuals across 73 countries. The petition calls for the rejection of what is considered the first law of its kind in the EU’s recent history, seeking to ensure that the march can occur “unhindered and peacefully, free from discrimination, harassment, fear or violence.”