In the Hungarian capital of Budapest, tens of thousands have defied a government and police ban to participate in a Pride march advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
In March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban pushed through a law in parliament banning gatherings that promote “homosexuality and gender change” to minors, affecting events such as Pride. Participants risk fines of up to 500 euros, while organisers face potential imprisonment, yet remain determined to take to the streets.
Last week, the police banned the march “to protect children,” but the organisers and Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karacsony, an opponent of Orban, have dismissed the ban, arguing it is a municipal event that does not require official permission.
The organisers anticipate more than 35,000 participants, potentially making this the largest Pride in the city since its inception in the 1990s.
