Budapest Pride in danger? Government threatens to restrict, but can it?
In a recent development that has sparked controversy in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suggested significant changes to the annual Budapest Pride parade. During his state of the nation address, Orbán made comments that have been interpreted as a threat to ban the LGBTQ+ event.
According to Telex, Orbán stated, “Let’s write into the constitution that a person is either a man or a woman, period. In fact, I advise the Pride organisers not to bother preparing for this year’s parade.” This statement has raised concerns among Pride organisers and human rights advocates.
Government: Pride threat to children
However, the government’s stance appears to be evolving from an outright ban to potentially restricting the event to closed venues. Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister’s Office, clarified in a podcast that the government’s aim is not to completely prohibit the event but to prevent it from being held in its current form on Andrássy Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Budapest, InfoStart writes.
Gulyás emphasised the government’s priority on child protection, stating, “Our opinion has long been consistent: we do not wish to interfere in how people live their private lives, but the protection of children and youth must be the primary political and social goal.” He suggested that a Pride event held in a closed space would not pose risks from the government’s perspective.
Organisers’ reaction
The Budapest Pride organisers have responded defiantly to these statements. Johanna Majercsik, spokesperson for Budapest Pride, asserted that the event is a crucial human rights demonstration protected under Hungary’s constitutional right to freedom of assembly. “If they move towards a ban, it would be an admission by decision-makers that there is no longer democracy in Hungary,” Majercsik told 24.hu.
This potential restriction comes in the context of Hungary’s increasingly conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2020, the government amended the constitution to define marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, and later passed a controversial law linking homosexuality with pedophilia, which has been criticised by the European Union, Telex writes.
Budapest mayor’s support
Despite the government’s statements, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced that the parade will be allowed to take place. He plans to discuss the details with the organisers soon. Several opposition district leaders and city representatives have also expressed their support for the Pride event.
The 2025 Budapest Pride is currently scheduled for 28 June. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will proceed with any potential restrictions or changes to the event’s format. The outcome of this issue could have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of assembly in Hungary, potentially placing the country at odds with European Union values and human rights standards.
UPDATE – Transport minister: Pride should be banned ASAP
Pride should be banned as soon as possible, János Lázár, the construction and transport minister, said on Thursday, adding that what took place in the bedroom was “sacred and inviolable”, but Pride was a public matter which “scandalises and provokes”, and should be banned in order to protect children.”And it is time to clamp down on the gay lobby,” Lázár said in a post on Facebook. The prime minister commented on Lázár’s post: “Yes, of course, clear speech!”
Read also:
- Budapest Assembly debates Pride, railway privatisation, and municipal transparency
- Pride 2024 – PHOTOS: Pride March held in Budapest!
And there I was, excited about our liberal nation standing strong among the Illiberal Brussels Elites!
https://dailynewshungary.com/government-hungary-liberal-unlike-brussels/
The same Mr. Gulyás … What a shining example of a Politician.
“Think of the children!” – the age-old excuse for Christian conservatives. It would be very interesting to read verified social studies how the Pride event has affected negatively on children. Too bad there aren´t any. Only stories from die-hard religious people preaching “it’s a sin”. Yet somehow the worst child abuse cases happen in religious events… Religions are dangerous to children and children should not be allowed near any religious events.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/religion/nearly-1-700-priests-clergy-accused-sex-abuse-are-unsupervised-n1062396
I don’t really think the parade should be cancelled. It doesn’t seem to hurt anyone and this could make the government look bad throughout the world.
It often features acts of depravity and degeneracy. Many attendees are not right in the head. Also, if it’s something you are born with, as we keep having it hammered into us, then why be “proud” of it?!? I am proud of my four master’s degrees and a doctorate; I am not proud of my skin color, sex (sorry, “gender”), or any other demographic category I happen to fall into.
That said, I also don’t think it should be banned. It should be countered with, say, “family pride,” however, where normal people–couples with their children–come and show the world that THAT is the meaning of success and a source of pride.
@michaelsteiner – it is difficult to be different and be proud of yourself. Be able to look in the mirror and say “I am OK!”. Especially if people around you are pointing fingers, you’ve been bullied, etc. That is the point of Pride.
Re the counter-family thing – why indeed not? However, those people are not faced with the pressures of the members of the LGBTQ community. A lot easier to be OK with yourself and “proud”.
Little video – please do watch and consider? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sARuFu-tc
I have never witnessed a parade but have seen video clips on TV. Normally, proper behavior and proper clothing is demanded on public thoroughfares. The parade totally ignores public standards.
If Pride people want to have a festival, they should rent a huge space away from public and minors where they can have their fun.
Fidesz is deeply afraid of any large gathering becoming a protest against the government. The parade has been going on for 30 years and when the government knows that it is losing support and is at real risk of losing power it now seeks to ban the parade. Make no mistake. This parade will involve tens of thousands of people protesting against the government and protesting to protect their freedom.
FIDESZ members are not afraid only disgusted Larry. Not everyone, like you, tolerates and supports bad public behavior. Unless new laws are enacted that half-nakedness is and accepted standard this whole thing is nonsense. What exactly are these people proud of; are these people proud that they cannot keep their sexual acts and sexual preferences in their bedroom.