Over 100,000 People In Hungary Defied The Government's Ban And Held Its Biggest Ever Pride Parade
The event became a powerful symbol of resistance not only for LGBTQ rights but also for broader civil liberties in Hungary.
Despite the government banning all LGBTQ public events, more than 100,000 people in Hungary marched in defiance in Budapest's largest ever Pride event.
In April, Hungary’s government, led by far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán, changed the country’s constitution to ban public events held by the LGBTQ community.
The law, justified as a measure to protect children, criminalizes the organization or attendance of events that go against Hungary’s controversial “child protection” laws, which prohibit the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to individuals under 18, with fines up to US$546 for violators.
The Pride march on Saturday, June 28, marked its 30th anniversary and was described by organizers as the largest LGBTQ Pride celebration in Hungary’s history.
Despite heavy police surveillance and the threat of legal consequences, the march turnout far exceeded previous records, with some estimates ranging from 100,000 to as high as 200,000 marchers, with demonstrators celebrating with music, rainbow flags and calls for solidarity, according to organizers and local media.
The march began at Budapest City Hall and wound through the city center before crossing the capital’s Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River.
Demonstrators said showing up was important to stand up against increasing government oppression, adding that it was not only about defending LGBTQ+ rights but also resisting what they see as an intensifying assault on democratic principles under Orbán’s governance.
The event became a powerful symbol of resistance not only for LGBTQ rights but also for broader civil liberties in Hungary.
The massive turnout was seen as a blow for Orbán and his government, especially as he faces declining popularity and rising opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
Isha Jain
Sofia Hou
