On Mar. 18, the Hungarian government banned Pride events stating the intention was to protect children, which has sparked both local and international outrage. Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership, a law was enforced that restricted public expressions of anything LGBTQ+, including the banning of the annual Pride parade. Many who opposed the law have argued they were part of a push to silence marginalized communities. This has led to public protests on the streets as well as parliament members enacting colourful demonstrations.
Despite this pride ban and several threats and attempts to discourage people, hundreds of thousands marched on June 28 in Budapest’s largest-ever Pride display, according to the President of Budapest Pride, Viktória Radványi.
“We believe there are 180,000 to 200,000 people attending … It is hard to estimate because there have never been so many people at Budapest Pride.”
In the face of the oppression and risking a year in prison, Hungarians attended and turned the parade into a peaceful protest against Orbán’s authoritarian government. This year’s parade marks its 30th anniversary.
The event drew support from EU officials, foreign diplomats, and human rights groups, highlighting growing resistance to Hungary’s suppression of LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties.
