The Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has vowed to defy Hungary’s controversial ban on LGBTQ+ Pride events by integrating Budapest Pride into another city-sanctioned event. The move follows the passage of legislation banning LGBTQ+ marches, enacted by the country’s far-right government.
“Freedom and love cannot be banned,” Karácsony declared, reaffirming that Budapest Pride would return this year as part of the revived ‘Budapest Freedom Day’ celebrations, commemorating the Soviet military’s withdrawal from Hungary.
The newly enacted legislation, passed in March, claims to be a “child protection” law, but effectively bans Pride events. It empowers local districts to fine organisers up to 200,000 forints (approx. NZD$850) and permits authorities to use facial recognition to identify attendees.
The law has sparked widespread protests across Hungary, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in recent months to oppose the government’s ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
Karácsony, who has consistently supported LGBTQ+ rights, said Budapest Pride would remain a “celebration of joy and freedom,” asserting that the event’s core message is that “everyone is entitled to the inalienable right of human dignity.”
“No one in Budapest should suffer discrimination because of what they believe, where they were born, and certainly not because of whom they love,” he said. “In Budapest, the freedom of others is just as important as our own.”
Budapest Pride has promoted diversity for more than 30 years and remains a vital part of the city’s social fabric. Despite the legal risks, Karácsony and Pride organisers are moving forward with plans to host the event on 28 June.
A spokesperson for Budapest Pride, Máté Hegedűs, emphasised that Hungarians have a “constitutional right” to peaceful assembly. “This fight is not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone,” he said. “Together with Budapest, we will defend ourselves and those who are now afraid, those who are now silent, those who are now in danger.”
The event will be staged in defiance of laws deemed oppressive and regressive by international observers. Over 20 embassies, including those of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have jointly expressed concern, arguing the legislation violates rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
