Budapest Pride Parade Faces Ban Amidst Political Tensions
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By Anya Sharma | BUDAPEST – 2025/06/19 11:09:52
The annual Budapest pride parade, scheduled for later this month, has been banned by Hungarian police. The event, which marks its 30th anniversary, is organized to show support for the LGBTQ community and was set to take place on June 28.
According to a statement published on their website, “The police, acting within their authority over public assemblies, prohibit the holding of the assembly at the aforementioned location and time.” The police also noted that the decision could be appealed within three days at the country’s supreme court.
tho, Budapest’s liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony has pledged to proceed with the march despite the ban. “Given that the municipality did not make its declaration within the framework of the law on gatherings, this interdiction has no value,” he stated on his Facebook page. He further added: “Budapest city hall will organize the Budapest pride march on June 28 as a city event. Period.”
The ban comes after Hungary’s parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban‘s Fidesz Party, passed legislation in March that allows police to ban LGBTQ+ marches, citing the protection of children.
Mr Orban’s government, known for its Christian conservative stance, has been increasingly vocal against the LGBTQ community. in April,constitutional changes were enacted to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
Mr Orban had previously stated that organizers “should not even bother” organizing pride in Budapest this year.
Political Climate and LGBTQ+ Rights in Hungary
The recent ban on the Budapest pride parade highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.The government’s stance reflects a broader trend of conservative policies impacting minority groups.
“Budapest city hall will organise the Budapest pride march on June 28 as a city event. Period.”
Explainer: LGBTQ+ Rights in Hungary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the Budapest pride parade banned?
- The Hungarian police banned the parade citing a law passed in March that allows the banning of LGBTQ+ marches under the guise of protecting children.
- Can the decision to ban the parade be appealed?
- Yes, the decision can be appealed within three days at the country’s supreme court.
- What is the mayor of Budapest’s stance on the ban?
- Budapest’s liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony has vowed to hold the march, stating that the police interdiction has no legal basis.
