EU chief urges Hungary to allow Budapest Pride parade amid government ban

On June 28, 2025, Budapest, Hungary, witnessed a massive gathering of tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ rights supporters who defied a government ban on their annual Pride march. The event, marked by vibrant displays of rainbow flags and expressions of solidarity against the restrictions imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, showcased both celebration and protest. The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights intensified following the introduction of a controversial law that barred demonstrations deemed to threaten child development by exposing youth to non-heterosexual lifestyles. Despite the police declaring the event illegal, the mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, co-organized the Pride parade as a municipal event, arguing that it should proceed without police oversight. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly supported the Pride march, encouraging Hungarian authorities to allow it to take place without fear of legal repercussions for participants or organizers. This echoed the sentiments of numerous civil society groups and activists rallying against the restrictive legislation and the broader erosion of democratic freedoms under Orbán’s administration. In a response to von der Leyen’s intervention, Orbán dismissed the EU leader's involvement in Hungarian law enforcement, insisting the Commission should focus on more pressing issues. The circumstances surrounding the march reflect a concerning trend towards authoritarianism in Hungary, where LGBTQ+ rights have been systematically curtailed over the last decade. Critics emphasize that the restrictive measures and the ban on Pride events serve as part of a broader agenda aiming to undermine fundamental liberties and promote conservative social values aligned with the government's political platform. As tensions escalate leading up to important elections, the Pride march has become a symbol of resistance against the government's policies and a broader call for the protection of minority rights. Approximately 70 members of the European Parliament were expected in attendance to show their support, highlighting the international dimension of this civil rights struggle. The legal consequences articulated by Justice Minister Bence Tuzson, including the potential for organizers to face criminal prosecution and imprisonment for leading the march, underline the authoritarian measures being enacted by the state. The mobilization of individuals for the event, despite these threats, indicates a significant pushback against oppressive legislation and the determination of the LGBTQ+ community to assert their visibility and rights openly in defiance of the law.