Massive Pride Turnout Defies Hungarian Government Ban

In late June 2025, more than 200,000 people took to the streets of Budapest to participate in the Budapest Pride 2025, boldly defying a ban imposed by the Hungarian government. The event drew an overwhelming show of solidarity, despite warnings from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had previously threatened participants with potential “legal consequences.” This collective act of defiance directly challenges state policies widely criticized as oppressive toward LGBTQIA+ rights.

Budapest Mayor Investigated for Backing the Parade

On August 1st, Budapest’s Green Party mayor, Gergely Karácsony, was summoned by police for questioning regarding his support for the march. At 50, Karácsony appeared wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with a rainbow logo and publicly took responsibility for his involvement. Authorities have accused him of “inciting” residents to take part in a prohibited demonstration—an offense that carries up to one year in prison under current law.

Standing Firm with Public Support

During his hearing, the mayor refrained from answering police questions but read a formal statement reaffirming his position. He contends that the probe is politically motivated. In response to the ban, he reclassified the Pride march as a “municipal event,” using a legal workaround intended to bypass national restrictions on public gatherings. Hundreds of supporters rallied near the police station as a visible show of solidarity during his questioning.

European Institutions Condemn Hungary’s LGBTQIA+ Crackdown

The Hungarian government continues to justify its restrictive policies under the guise of “child protection”—a stance that has sparked concern across Europe. The European Commission has strongly criticized the measures, citing violations of fundamental human rights and breaches of commitments made when Hungary joined the EU in 2004. In its July rule-of-law report, the Commission stated that the Hungarian government has made “no progress” on these issues. As a result, the EU has frozen €18 billion in funding earmarked for Hungary.

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