Hungary Warns the EU Over Banned Pride March

Pride March Faces Ban, But Gains European Support

Hungary has issued an official warning to European Union member states discouraging any participation in the upcoming Pride March in Budapest, which authorities have officially banned. Justice Minister Bence Tuzson sent a formal letter to various European ambassadors earlier this week, asserting that “the legal situation is clear – the [Gay] Pride march is a prohibited gathering under current legislation.” The document, dated June 25 and obtained by Agence France-Presse, warns that participation could be deemed unlawful.

The minister urged embassies to notify their teams of this decision — even as broad diplomatic support for the event continues to grow. Thirty-three embassies, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and multiple Members of the European Parliament, have voiced their backing for the Budapest Pride. However, several EU countries — including Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria — were notably absent from the joint statement of support.

Standoff Between Hungarian Government and Budapest’s Mayor

Hungarian authorities officially banned the Pride event last week, citing a controversial recent law that critics describe as anti-LGBTQ. Despite this, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony expressed his continued support and confirmed that the march would go ahead. Arguing that it qualifies as a municipal event, he contended that it does not fall under the required criteria for prior police authorization.

Minister Tuzson, however, maintained the government’s stance, cautioning that attendees could face fines of up to €500. Those who organize or promote the event risk up to one year in prison, he warned.

Growing LGBT Rights Tensions in Hungary

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his nationalist and conservative policies, has stepped up anti-LGBTQ measures in recent months. In March, a new law was enacted reinforcing restrictions on public events that purportedly violate the 2021 legislation banning any mention of homosexuality or gender identity in front of minors. The government argued that Pride should be held in a closed venue, away from public view — a proposal the organizers firmly rejected.

Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs accused organizers of intentionally provoking authorities and defying the legal framework. Speaking on platform X, he stated: “This is not about rights or freedom, but about illegal provocation. The law is clear, and they have chosen to ignore it.”

Widespread European Solidarity for LGBTIQ+ Rights

Despite the crackdown, organizers are expecting record attendance of over 35,000 people. Dozens of Members of the European Parliament have pledged to march together. European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib is scheduled to hold a press conference in Budapest on Friday, alongside the city’s mayor, to reaffirm EU support.

On Wednesday evening, Ursula von der Leyen publicly urged Hungarian authorities to lift the ban, stating the Pride march “must be allowed to proceed without fear of criminal or administrative penalties against its organizers or participants.” She added, “To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond, I will always stand with you.”

Viktoria Radványi, president of Budapest Pride, challenged the legal basis of the ban, declaring: “The police do not have the authority to issue such a decision, therefore the event is not unlawful.” She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring this will be the largest Pride ever held in Hungary — despite the increasingly tense and restrictive environment.

Photo Source: https://budapestpride.hu/