Record 200,000 Defy Orban’s Warnings at Budapest Pride

Budapest witnessed a historic turnout at its annual Pride march today, with an estimated 200,000 participants defying Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s legal threats against LGBTQ+ rights activists. The unprecedented crowds marched in defiance of a new “child protection” law that restricts gatherings perceived as promoting homosexuality, which police had cited in issuing a ban.

Despite Orban downplaying the potential for violence, he warned of significant legal repercussions for attendees, including fines up to €500 and possible one-year prison sentences for organizers. Police were reportedly empowered to use facial recognition technology for identification. However, participants like Luca, 34, expressed their determination to advocate for a country of “diversity” and protect their rights, fearing for their children’s future in a restrictive environment.

The march also saw strong international solidarity, with EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and dozens of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) joining the demonstration. Lahbib, who met with liberal Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, called the march a “powerful symbol of the strength of civil society.” Finnish MEP Li Andersson emphasized the event’s importance beyond Pride, highlighting it as a stand for fundamental rights and equality against what she believes are Orban’s pretexts using family values.

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