Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride

Thousands attended Budapest Pride, defying a government ban and sending a clear message to Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Between 100,000 and 200,000 people marched through the city, with many banners and T-shirts mocking Orban's government. The event was seen as a celebration of human rights and solidarity, with attendees including LGBT community members, politicians, and ordinary citizens. Orban's government had attempted to ban the march citing a new law that equated homosexuality with paedophilia, but the mayor of Budapest cited a 2001 law allowing the event to go ahead. The police maintained a low profile, but recorded the event using temporary cameras and facial recognition software, sparking concerns about potential fines for participants.

Tens of thousands of LGBTQ Hungarians and their supporters defied a government ban to march in Budapest Pride, with organizers estimating over 100,000 people attended. The march was held despite Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's legal threats against activists and a law passed in March that made it an offense to hold or attend events that "depict or promote" homosexuality to minors under 18. Participants remained defiant, with many expressing their desire for a country that values diversity and equality, and criticizing the government's efforts to scapegoat sexual minorities and consolidate its conservative base.

Thousands in Budapest defied a government ban on the city's Pride march, with attendees risking a 500 euro fine and organizers facing potential prison time. The march went ahead despite the ban, with huge crowds gathering to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and show support for the community. Participants said they were motivated by a desire to fight for their rights and show that Hungary is a place where everyone is welcome. The ban is the latest in a series of moves by Viktor Orban's government to target LGBTQ+ communities, including abolishing legal recognition of transgender people and banning the depiction of homosexuality to under-18s. The event highlighted the divisions in Hungarian society, with some far-right groups protesting against the march, but the large turnout suggesting that many Hungarians disagree with the government's stance.