Despite a government ban, thousands of people gathered in Budapest, Hungary, for the city’s 30th annual Pride march, a celebration and protest of LGBTQ+ rights. The march proceeded in open defiance of the ban, with demonstrators carrying signs reading “Solidarity with Budapest Pride” and waving placards bearing crossed-out illustrations of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Eszter Rein Bodi, one of the marchers, emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “This is about much more, not just about homosexuality… This is the last moment to stand up for our rights.” Krisztina Aranyi, another participant, highlighted the importance of the right to assembly, stating, “The right to assembly is a basic human right, and I don’t think it should be banned. Just because someone does not like the reason why you go to the street, or they do not agree with it, you still have the right to do so.”
The march featured huge crowds, with many holding homemade banners aloft. One sign read “Transgender people are a blessing on this earth,” while another banner read “Proud. United. Equal in every corner of the EU.”
At least 70 members of the European Parliament were expected to join the procession, including Van Sparrentak, a Dutch MEP, who said she would attend to “support the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary, to let them know that they are not alone (and) to be visible as a community.” Sparrentak added, “Pride is a protest, and if Orbán can ban Budapest Pride without consequences, every pride is one election away from being banned.”
The ban was imposed under new legislation that prohibits LGBTQ+ events nationwide, sparking lively protests in Budapest in March. Organizers vowed to continue with the annual festival despite the law, declaring, “We will fight this new fascist ban.”
A petition demanding police reject the ban gathered over 120,000 signatures from supporters in 73 countries, urging authorities to “reject this unjust law” and ensure the march proceeded “unhindered and peacefully, free from discrimination, harassment, fear or violence”.
Amnesty International also expressed support for the march, with Secretary General Agnès Callamard joining the event. “Authorities must ensure people’s right to protest is protected, as is their ability to take part safely in Saturday’s Budapest Pride, free from intimidation, harassment or violence,” Amnesty International said.