Photo credit: Budapest Pride
Despite the Hungarian national government outlawing Pride marches, Budapest moves ahead with the organisation of its 30th annual Pride celebration.
Each year, 17 May marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The date commemorates the 1990 decision of the World Health Organisation to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. Though more than three decades have passed since this influential decision, the rights of LGBTQIA+ are still under attack in many countries across the world.
A Trojan Horse for anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation
In March, Hungary passed an amendment to a 2021 law, effectively banning all LGBTQIA+ Pride marches nationally. The law prohibits the ‘depiction or promotion’ of homosexuality to minors under 18.
In 2022, the ‘child protection’ legislation was challenged by the European Commission who argued that the law discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Benedek Jávor, Head of the Representation of Budapest in Brussels, explains: “In name, the law is about protecting the education of children, but in reality it’s clearly anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.”
The law has real consequences for the LGBTQIA+ community. The latest amendment allows authorities to use facial recognition software to identify Pride attendees and fines, surveillance, or even prison time for anyone organising or attending.
Jávor says this move from Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party is part of a larger pattern of using marginalised communities to scapegoat and fearmonger. Since 2010, he notes a considerable decline of the LGBTQIA+ community’s rights. ...in reality it's clearly anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.
“The attempt to ban Pride does not come out of the blue,” he warns. “It’s part of an ongoing campaign that is shrinking public space for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The city in solidarity
Pride is an important part of Budapest’s cultural identity. Though the demonstration has been threatened before, this is the first time the government is directly behind such a threat, according to Jávor. “Pride is an important part of Budapest’s identity and public life. It will be held without question and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony will be in attendance,” he explains.
In response to the legislation, citizens of Budapest organised a ‘Grey Pride’ protest, an ironic demonstration promoting sameness. More than 10,000 people took to the streets with grey flags, dressed in monochromatic colours.
“It was a huge success, a perfect way to demonstrate the absurdity of banning Pride,” says Jávor.
As for the actual Pride celebration to be held in June, the municipal government of Budapest plays a supporting role to the organisers, Budapest Pride.
“For the City of Budapest, Pride is an essential part of the LGBTQIA+ movement and community. It’s a moment to be proud of their identity and to express solidarity,” Jávor explains. “While we are not directly organising the event, we are in contact with the organising team to respond to specific needs or requests. We are cautious not to overly interfere. We stand in solidarity with the organisers.”
When questioned about the potential consequences the city could face from the national government, Jávor states that the city is “ready to face whatever the consequences”. For the City of Budapest, Pride is an essential part of the LGBTQIA+ movement and community.
“Our rights are not up for negotiation”
The recent actions against Pride in Hungary are not just an attack on the LGBTQIA+ community. They represent a broader assault on fundamental freedoms. What’s at stake goes beyond Pride.
The new legal measures allow authorities to ban almost any public gathering with vague and arbitrary justifications. By simply labelling an event as ‘harmful to minors,’ officials can now prohibit demonstrations, protests, or even political meetings with no real scrutiny or oversight.
“The attempt to shut down Pride is part of a wider strategy to shrink democratic space,” warns Jávor. “This isn’t just about LGBTQIA+ rights. It’s about eroding the right to assembly, freedom of expression, and civic participation across the board.”
This is why standing with the LGBTQIA+ community is vital. When the rights of one group are stripped away, it sets a precedent that threatens the freedoms of all.
“If we allow political power to curtail the basic rights of a minority group, we open the door to having any rights taken away,” he says. “And here in Hungary, it is no longer just a risk, it is already happening.
“It is absolutely clear that we have to protect the LGBTQIA+ community and stand by them because it’s not only about Pride. It’s about all fundamental rights. We have to stand up together to protect them.” It’s about all fundamental rights. We have to stand up together to protect them.
International solidarity in action
Budapest is receiving solidarity from across its borders. Many international organisations and even politicians, including members of the European Parliament, are expected to be in attendance. This international support is crucial.
“The presence of international players like NGOs, activists, and politicians is extremely important. They will witness the injustices first-hand and help raise awareness of them among a larger audience,” states Jávor.
Budapest’s resistance to oppression underscores an important message. Jávor concludes: “Our rights are not up for negotiation. We are not going to compromise on them. These are fundamental human rights, and we are ready to fight for them.”
