Budapest Pride 100,000 Strong Say "No Ban!"

Defiance in Budapest: 100,000 March in Pride Event Despite Government Ban

Budapest, Hungary – In a powerful display of solidarity and defiance, an estimated 100,000 people took to the streets of Budapest on Saturday for the annual Budapest Pride event. This year’s march was particularly significant as it directly challenged a government ban and police orders, marking it as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Hungary's history.

The massive turnout served as an open rebuke of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government and its increasingly restrictive policies towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Participants knowingly risked potential police intervention and hefty fines to participate in the 30th annual Budapest Pride. The event had been effectively outlawed by a law passed in March by Orbán's right-wing populist governing party, adding a layer of tension and significance to the day.

The march commenced at Budapest City Hall and proceeded through the city center before crossing the iconic Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River. While police rerouted the crowd to prevent clashes with a small group of far-right counterprotesters, participants celebrated LGBTQ+ visibility with music, dancing, and the waving of rainbow and anti-government flags.

Here are some key highlights from the event:

• Unprecedented Turnout: Approximately 100,000 individuals participated, making it the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Hungary's history.
• Defiance of Government Ban: The march proceeded despite the ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government.
• Broader Concerns: Participants expressed concerns about the crackdown on democratic processes under Orbán's rule, in addition to LGBTQ+ rights.
• International Support: More than 70 members of the European Parliament and other international officials joined the march.

The sheer scale of the march, which the government had previously insisted would not be permitted, is widely seen as a significant blow to Orbán's prestige. His popularity has been declining in recent polls, with a new opposition force gaining traction.

The controversial law passed in March makes it an offense to hold or attend events that "depict or promote" homosexuality to minors under 18. Orbán had previously indicated that Budapest Pride was the specific target of this legislation. The authorities installed additional cameras throughout the city center and were expected to use facial recognition tools to identify individuals who attended the banned event, with potential fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($586).

This ban is the latest in a series of crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights by Orbán's government. These measures include effectively banning same-sex adoption and same-sex marriage, as well as preventing transgender individuals from legally changing their sex.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, in a show of support, declared that the Pride march would be held as a separate municipal event, which he stated did not require police approval. However, the government has maintained that holding the march would be unlawful, with the Justice Minister warning Karácsony that organizing or encouraging attendance could be punishable by up to a year in prison.

Hadja Lahbib, the EU's commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, stated that "all eyes are on Budapest" as Pride marchers defied the government's ban.

The Budapest Pride march serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of standing in solidarity against oppressive policies. It underscores the resilience and determination of a community fighting for equality and recognition, even in the face of significant adversity. The courage displayed by the participants sends a powerful message of hope and resistance, echoing far beyond the streets of Budapest.

Tags: Budapest Pride, Hungary, LGBTQ+ Pride, Viktor Orbán, Protest, Government Ban, Erzsébet Bridge, LGBTQ community, Anti-government, March

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5449685/hungary-budapest-pride-defies-ban