The Hungarian government has issued a warning to diplomats from several European Union countries against participating in the Pride march scheduled for Saturday, despite a police ban.
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson stated in a letter obtained by French news agency AFP on Wednesday that the event was prohibited by law, and that participants would be committing an offence.
He urged diplomats to make sure their staff members are fully informed about this.
Budpest mayor intends to proceed with the march
Earlier this week, diplomatic and cultural representatives from 33 countries expressed support for the event. Diplomatic representatives of Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria did not sign the declaration of support.
Hungarian police banned the march last week, citing a recent anti-LGBT+ law passed by the nationalist government. However, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony said he intended to proceed with the event, arguing that it did not require official permission.
Participants face fines of up to €500, while organising or promoting the event could result in a one-year prison term.
For years, Hungaran President Viktor Orban has curtailed LGBT+ rights, citing “child protection.” This year, he intensified his stance by enforcing a law from mid-March which prohibits events contravening a 2021 legislation that prevents discussing “homosexuality and gender change” with minors.
Over 35,000 attendees expected, including MEPs
Authorities suggested holding the march in a private venue like a stadium, away from the view of minors.
However, the city and event organisers rejected the government’s suggestion, opting for what government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs described on X as “confrontation and illegality.”
“This is not about rights or freedom but provocation. The law is clear, and they chose to ignore it,” Kovacs stated.
Organisers anticipate over 35,000 attendees, predicting the “largest Pride” since its inception in the 1990s.
Dozens of Members of the European Parliament plan to join the march behind a shared banner.
Ursula von der Leyen expresses support for LGBTIQ+ community
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib is expected in Budapest on Friday to hold a conference alongside the city’s mayor.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Hungarian authorities on Wednesday to overturn the Pride ban. She said on X that the event should proceed without fear of criminal or administrative penalties against organisers or participants.
Ms. von der Leyen also affirmed her support for the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary and beyond.
Pride President Viktoria Radvanyi told ambassadors that the police did not have the authority to ban the event, and that it was not illegal.
Despite the challenging circumstances, she promised to “do everything possible to make sure Hungary’s largest Pride can safely proceed on Saturday.”
