Preface

In a bold stand for LGBTQ rights, the Budapest Pride march is set to go ahead on Saturday, challenging Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's legal threats. Despite increasing pressure from nationalist conservative politicians and police, the event organisers are hopeful for record participation. A newly implemented "child protection" law provides grounds for banning gatherings promoting homosexuality, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Lazy bag

The upcoming Budapest Pride faces potential legal consequences spurred by Prime Minister Orban, but remains an important symbol of civil society strength. EU officials show support despite the political tension.

Main Body

The Budapest Pride March is poised to continue as planned, amidst substantial legal and political challenges posed by the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This year's event, expected to witness unprecedented participation, is being organized in a climate marked by significant opposition from conservative nationalist circles and intensified police scrutiny. The heightened attention stems from a newly enacted "child protection" law, which constrains public gatherings deemed to endorse homosexuality.

A day before the event, Prime Minister Orban attempted to downplay the potential for violence, acknowledging the police's authority to disperse such gatherings but emphasizing Hungary's identity as a "civilised country" that shuns physical aggression. Nevertheless, he warned that participants might face legal repercussions, with possible fines up to €500, supported by facial recognition mechanisms for identification. Furthermore, event organizers are risking a prison sentence of up to one year.

EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, a former Belgian foreign minister, has actively shown her support by joining the march, accompanied by several Members of the European Parliament. She posted a photograph with Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, signalling unity for LGBTQ rights. Karacsony, aligned with Hungary's opposition, has reassured participants, noting the march's municipal co-organization, implying it does not require police endorsement and attendees should expect no reprisals.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on the Orban administration to allow the march to proceed unhindered. However, Orban has remained unmoved, urging the EU leadership to "refrain from interfering" in Hungary's domestic law enforcement affairs.

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