Budapest Pride in danger? Government threatens to restrict, but can it?
In a recent development that has sparked controversy in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suggested significant changes to the annual Budapest Pride parade. During his state of the nation address, Orbán made comments that have been interpreted as a threat to ban the LGBTQ+ event.
According to Telex, Orbán stated, “Let’s write into the constitution that a person is either a man or a woman, period. In fact, I advise the Pride organisers not to bother preparing for this year’s parade.” This statement has raised concerns among Pride organisers and human rights advocates.
Government: Pride threat to children
However, the government’s stance appears to be evolving from an outright ban to potentially restricting the event to closed venues. Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister’s Office, clarified in a podcast that the government’s aim is not to completely prohibit the event but to prevent it from being held in its current form on Andrássy Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Budapest, InfoStart writes.
Gulyás emphasised the government’s priority on child protection, stating, “Our opinion has long been consistent: we do not wish to interfere in how people live their private lives, but the protection of children and youth must be the primary political and social goal.” He suggested that a Pride event held in a closed space would not pose risks from the government’s perspective.
Organisers’ reaction
The Budapest Pride organisers have responded defiantly to these statements. Johanna Majercsik, spokesperson for Budapest Pride, asserted that the event is a crucial human rights demonstration protected under Hungary’s constitutional right to freedom of assembly. “If they move towards a ban, it would be an admission by decision-makers that there is no longer democracy in Hungary,” Majercsik told 24.hu.
This potential restriction comes in the context of Hungary’s increasingly conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2020, the government amended the constitution to define marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, and later passed a controversial law linking homosexuality with pedophilia, which has been criticised by the European Union, Telex writes.
Budapest mayor’s support
Despite the government’s statements, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced that the parade will be allowed to take place. He plans to discuss the details with the organisers soon. Several opposition district leaders and city representatives have also expressed their support for the Pride event.
The 2025 Budapest Pride is currently scheduled for 28 June. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will proceed with any potential restrictions or changes to the event’s format. The outcome of this issue could have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of assembly in Hungary, potentially placing the country at odds with European Union values and human rights standards.
UPDATE – Transport minister: Pride should be banned ASAP
Pride should be banned as soon as possible, János Lázár, the construction and transport minister, said on Thursday, adding that what took place in the bedroom was “sacred and inviolable”, but Pride was a public matter which “scandalises and provokes”, and should be banned in order to protect children.”And it is time to clamp down on the gay lobby,” Lázár said in a post on Facebook. The prime minister commented on Lázár’s post: “Yes, of course, clear speech!”
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