Another Pride banned in Hungary: organisers refuse to comply
Police in Pécs have banned the local Pride event scheduled for 4 October, but organisers say they plan to go ahead with the march. Foreign guests, including Members of the European Parliament, have already confirmed their intent to participate. The protest could unfold similarly to this summer’s Budapest Pride, which turned into one of the country’s largest demonstrations against the Orbán regime despite being officially prohibited.
Pride parade banned, but organisers push forward
Budapest’s Pride took place in late June despite a government ban, functioning unofficially as a municipal event. Though the event sparked political ripple effects, notably involving Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, analysts widely agree it morphed into a major anti-government protest with significant attendance, turning the ban into a political liability rather than a victory. International media emphasised that the Budapest parade transcended LGBTQ+ rights and became a broad show of support for basic civil liberties, including the right to assemble.
Now, local authorities in Pécs have blocked the upcoming Pride parade, citing the 15th amendment to Hungary’s Constitution. Nevertheless, organisers aim to march on 4 October.
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Organisers plan to appeal
In a statement to 24.hu, organisers noted this year would mark the fifth Pécs Pride, serving as the closing event of the Freedom of My Identity Human Rights Festival. They expressed little surprise at the ban and stated they are prepared for legal challenges. Organisers plan to appeal to Hungary’s Supreme Court and affirmed their intention to hold the event. They are also willing to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg if necessary.
Pécs mayor dodges the issue
While Budapest’s mayor unequivocally supported the local Pride, Pécs officials have yet to take a clear stance. “We ask the press for patience; we will respond at the appropriate time,” the municipal government stated. However, the organisers said they’re not particularly seeking support from the city or political parties. They plan to distribute online information to help potential participants make informed decisions, and they are urging people to attend.
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Organisers expect police to distinguish between demonstrators and marchers and noted that law enforcement has expressed willingness to cooperate.
“Members of the European Parliament, international human rights groups, and Pride organisers from abroad have confirmed attendance. We are in contact with several European embassies and diplomats who have pledged support and solidarity with the Pécs community,” the organisers said in a statement.
Planned lesbian wedding in front of basilica sparks backlash
The far-right outlet Magyar Jelen, which is aligned with the nationalist Mi Hazánk party, accused Pécs Pride organisers of planning to desecrate religion. The claim centres on a planned on-stage lesbian wedding in front of the Pécs Basilica. The group also noted the parade would begin near a playground. These details were reported based on a document outlining coordination between organisers and police, originally published by Pécs Aktuál.
Organisers estimate attendance at around 1,000 people, many coming from Austria and Slovenia. Members of the European Parliament and opposition party representatives have also signalled interest in participating, with ongoing discussions underway, according to Pécs Aktuál.
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Them again.
Whipping out your schlong and sticking your tongue down someone’s throat in front of kids has nothing to do with any kind of pride. It’s disgusting degeneracy. Be who and what you are–nobody has any problem with that–but it is not too much to demand you keep it to yourself.
And, of course, who else should be there but EUrotrash “parliamentarians.”
The West needs a hard reset.
Of course Steiner will post homophobic comments on this article. Guaranteed. What a world we live in. Some people just can’t accept others who are different. Steiner there have been gay people around as long as civilization has existed.
The media hardly mentions what going on in UK, ireland, germany, france. It a daily shit show on social media nonstop crazy. Brussels is a majority muslim- can you imajine members ot the phobia protective funded left wing NGOs to attend a small city in hungary event.
Over a million of their neighbors been killed in the last 3 years with little call for end. LGBTQFBS International NGOs are pushing and funding it. I hear gays are really suffering in Pecs. TS.