Despite a sweeping ban on public LGBTQ events, tens of thousands will flood the streets of Budapest this Saturday for the city’s 30th annual Pride Parade. Hungary’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment in April—140 to 21—making it illegal to hold or attend events that violate the country’s so-called “child protection” law. This 2021 law bans the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors. Offenders face steep fines, and authorities can now use facial recognition to identify participants.
At the same time, the ruling Fidesz party has pushed through another constitutional amendment declaring there are only “two sexes”—rejecting science and echoing a 2020 Trump-era U.S. policy. Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, is a close ally of Donald Trump. Still, the Pride parade will go on, with Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony and more than 70 Members of the European Parliament expected to attend. Organizers anticipate a record international turnout.
Spokesperson Máté Hegedűs said, “This fight is not only for the LGBTQ community, but for everyone.”
Over 30 foreign embassies—including Britain, France, and Germany—have publicly supported the march. The U.S., however, did not sign on. The embassies’ joint statement praised the parade as “a symbol of resilience and progress.”
Budapest Pride will be on June 28.
