Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community stands strong against government’s prohibitive measures on Pride march

BUDAPEST, Hungary — The LGBTQ+ community in Hungary is gearing up for a significant confrontation with the autocratic government, planning a march in Budapest on Saturday despite an official ban and threats of severe penalties. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government fast-tracked legislation that criminalizes events promoting or depicting homosexuality to minors under 18, clearly targeting the upcoming Budapest Pride event, which is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Despite the government’s warning about harsh fines and potential jail time for participants, Pride organizers, along with Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, and Vice President of the European Parliament Nicolae Stefanuta, have announced their intentions to proceed with the event. They anticipate that this could be Hungary’s largest Pride celebration to date.

Mayor Karácsony emphasized the importance of equality, stating that there should be no discrimination against any group of citizens. Critics of the government’s actions liken them to the restrictive policies against LGBTQ+ individuals seen in Russia.

The contentious law permits the use of facial recognition technology by authorities to identify attendees at the prohibited march, with penalties reaching 200,000 forints (about $586) for violators. Over the past few years, Orbán’s government has enacted bans against same-sex adoption and prohibited LGBTQ+ content in materials accessible to minors, citing concerns over child development.

However, opponents argue these measures are a strategy to scapegoat sexual minorities and solidify conservative support. In response to the rejected requests for official Pride march permits, Karácsony announced that the event would be classified as a separate municipal gathering, which he contended did not require police approval.

Yet, the government maintains that the march remains unlawful. Orbán acknowledged that there would be legal repercussions for attendance but asserted the state would refrain from physical action against participants.

Amidst this tension, right-wing groups have planned counter-demonstrations along the Pride route, adding another layer of potential conflict. Internationally, Hungary’s ban on Pride has drawn sharp criticism, with over 30 foreign embassies expressing support for the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and be treated equally.

European leaders, including the European Commission President, have publicly urged Hungary to allow the Pride event to proceed without fear of repercussions, signaling a broader commitment within the EU to oppose hate and promote tolerance.