Hungary’s prime minister’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, has suggested that Budapest Pride should take place behind closed doors, citing “child protection” concerns.
Speaking to news site 24.hu on Wednesday (26 February), Gulyás stated that the primary aim of this year’s Pride event should be to “enforce the point of view of child protection.” He added that such concerns would not arise if the event were held in a closed space.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has taken an even stronger stance, recently telling supporters that Pride organisers “should not even bother” this year, dismissing the event as a “waste of money and time.”
Orbán’s History of LGBTQ+ Opposition
Orbán, who has been in power since 2010 and previously governed from 1998 to 2002, has a well-documented record of opposing LGBTQ+ rights. Under his leadership, Hungary’s constitution was amended to redefine the concept of family, effectively banning same-sex couples from adopting children. Additionally, a law was introduced allowing citizens to report same-sex parents to authorities.
While Hungary legalised registered partnerships for same-sex couples in 2009, Orbán later passed legislation that constitutionally banned same-sex marriage. His government also enacted an anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda law prohibiting the “promotion” of queer identities to minors.
Trans rights have also suffered under Orbán’s leadership, with legal recognition for transgender individuals being revoked. His conservative policies have drawn praise from former US president Donald Trump.
Budapest Pride to Proceed Despite Government Resistance
Despite government opposition, Budapest Pride is scheduled for 22 June. Organisers have yet to respond to Gulyás’ remarks, but the event remains a key moment of visibility and activism for Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community.
