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2w ago

Thousands Defy Hungary’s Ban on Budapest Pride

High-profile EU figures and embassy staff are joining the unpermitted event under threat of fines, facial recognition and jail terms.

A participant poses with a placard reading 'Many colours are a class' during the Budapest Pride march, on June 28, 2025 in Budapest, despite a governmental ban of the event.
Participants pose for a selfie as they arrive to take part in the event despite a government ban.
People gather for the Budapest Pride march in Hungary's capital on Saturday.

Overview

  • Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters gathered near Budapest city hall to proceed with the 30th Pride march despite a police-imposed ban.
  • European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib, around 70 MEPs and embassy personnel joined the procession, highlighting growing EU opposition to the ban.
  • Authorities warned participants of misdemeanour charges, fines up to €500 and facial recognition surveillance under a March child protection law.
  • Mayor Gergely Karácsony designated the parade a municipal event to bypass permit rules, but police maintain that the ban still applies.
  • Organizers and civil society groups frame the rally as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s narrowing of democratic freedoms ahead of next year’s election.