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Budapest to Hold Pride March Despite Government Ban

Organizers have defied the prohibition by staging the event as a municipal celebration under Budapest’s authority.

A view shows a banner reading "STOP LMBTQ" hanging from a bridge as people attend the Budapest Pride march in Budapest, Hungary, July 23, 2022. REUTERS/Marton Monus/File Photo
FILE - Members and supporters of Hungary's LGBTQ community march through Budapest, on Saturday, July 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Anna Szilagyi, File)
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban looks on as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen speaks at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban attends a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium June 26, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo

Overview

  • Authorities banned the march under legislation that bars public assemblies supporting LGBTI rights and authorizes facial recognition and fines for participants.
  • Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced the parade will go ahead as a municipal event that does not require a police permit.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Hungarian authorities to lift the ban, and dozens of EU lawmakers and ministers plan to attend the march.
  • Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Justice Minister Bence Tuzson warned that anyone taking part in the banned event, including foreign diplomats, could face criminal charges or financial penalties.
  • Human rights groups delivered a 120,000-signature petition to Budapest police and tens of thousands are expected to join the march in a global show of solidarity.