David Pressman, the openly gay US ambassador to Hungary, is making a powerful statement against homophobia by organising a grand Pride party at his official residence.
Pressman revealed that the US embassy has been overwhelmed by the interest and support shown by LGBTQ+ families, who feel increasingly marginalised due to the anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He anticipates that approximately 1,000 individuals will attend, making it the largest event of its kind ever held in Hungary.
“This is an incredibly significant moment for the United States and the international community as a whole to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, which is currently being exploited and used as a divisive political tool,” expressed Pressman in an interview with The Daily Beast.
The Pride party comes when embassies worldwide have jointly released a statement expressing deep concern about Hungary’s legislation and political discourse targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The statement, signed by 60 countries and embassies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, and France, voices unequivocal support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary and their right to equality.
“We strongly reject and condemn all forms of violence, hate speech, harassment, stigma, and discrimination against individuals and communities based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics,” the statement emphasises.
Additionally, an international coalition of European Union (EU) members has launched infringement proceedings against Hungary for a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ law enacted in 2021. Known as the ‘Child Protection Act,’ this legislation prohibits the dissemination of content to minors that promote “divergence from self-identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change, or homosexuality.” The law bears striking similarities to Russia’s widely criticised ‘LGBTQ+ propaganda’ law introduced in 2022.
As a consequence of the law, a Hungarian bookstore chain was fined 12 million forints (equivalent to NZ$56,000) by the Orbán government for displaying copies of Alice Oseman’s popular graphic novel, Heartstopper, without sealed packaging. This incident further fueled outrage, prompting 14 EU member states to initiate legal action against Hungary for violating EU values and human rights laws.
Some heads of government have previously suggested that if Hungary refuses to mitigate its anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, it should be expelled from the EU. However, Hungary has defied these calls and declared its refusal to back down in the face of the forthcoming legal proceedings.
In May, Hungary hosted the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC) conference, during which Prime Minister Orbán declared, “No migration, no gender, no war.” Orbán proclaimed Hungary to be an “incubator” for conservative policies, boasting of the country’s successful efforts to counter progressive and liberal influences and establish a traditional Christian political landscape.
Responding to Orbán’s alarming anti-LGBTQ+ speeches and actions, Ambassador Pressman denounced the attacks on the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary, affirming that they face real adversity.
Regarding the upcoming Pride picnic, Pressman expressed the importance of bringing together LGBTQ+ families for a joyous celebration. He hopes that the Hungarian government perceives the event as an opportunity to witness the beautiful diversity of its people. However, Pressman is not expecting government participation but asserts that they should be aware of their welcome status.
