Hungarian law enforcement prohibits another Pride Parade for LGBT+ advocacy
Hungarian Mayor Faces Potential Jail Time over Banned Pride March
The Budapest Pride march, held in the Hungarian capital on June 19, was a defiant event that saw around 200,000 people gathering in support of LGBT+ rights, despite being banned by the government. The mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, who is accused of organizing the event, was interrogated as a suspect and may face up to one year in prison if found guilty.
The ban on the march was justified by changes made this year to the Hungarian Constitution, which make any gathering aimed at promoting homosexuality illegal. These changes, initiated by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in 2018, have been criticized as a reduction of fundamental rights for sexual minorities in the name of "child protection."
The ban on the Budapest Pride march sparked criticism from European leaders. The event, which is considered a major setback for LGBT+ rights, was not the only gathering affected. A festive gathering in support of LGBT+ rights, organized in Pécs, Hungary, was also banned by the police. The ban on the gathering in Pécs deals a severe blow to the LGBT+ community, according to the organizers of the Diverse Youth Network association.
Despite the ban, the organizers of the Diverse Youth Network association have vowed to maintain the event on October 4. They have refused to be silenced and will not be intimidated. Gergely Karácsony, too, has not been deterred and has expressed his commitment to supporting the LGBT+ community.
The ban on the Budapest Pride march and the subsequent interrogation of its organizer have raised concerns about freedom of assembly and expression in Hungary. The events serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBT+ rights in the country and the challenges that still need to be overcome.
