Massive Pride march in Budapest in defiance of ban
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Budapest Pride: Thousands of marchers defy police ban – DW – 06
Tens of thousands take part in Budapest Pride march in defiance of police ban. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to jail anyone who organizes the event. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Hungarian authorities not to block the march. The annual event has come to symbolize resistance to a general repression of civil society in Hungary under Orban’s nationalist government, which is facing a growing challenge from opposition leader Peter Magyar’s Tisza party ahead of elections next year. The march was due to be attended by European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib and about 70 members of the European Parliament, according to local media reports. It is the second year in a row that the Pride march has taken place in the Hungarian capital, following a record-breaking turnout of 35,000 in 2013. It was also the first year that police have been allowed to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees, which could lead to fines and jail sentences.
Tens of thousands LGBTQ+ rights supporters took part in the Budapest Pride march on Saturday, in defiance of a police ban and threats from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“We believe there are 180,000 to 200,000 people attending,” Pride president Viktoria Radvanyi told the AFP news agency. “It is hard to estimate because there have never been so many people at Budapest Pride.”
Budapest Pride parade defies Orban ban in Hungary To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Local media sites, including 444.hu and Magyar Hang, estimated the crowd to be closer to 100,000, still far more than the previous record turnout of 35,000 people.
Orban has restricted the rights of the LGBTQ+ community over the past few years, and his party’s lawmakers passed a law in March allowing the ban of Pride marches, claiming it was motivated by the need to protect children.
However, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony declared the Pride parade a municipal event, arguing that this designation exempts it from the assembly law and renders the police ban invalid.
Attendees risked steep fines Image: Rudolf Karancsi/AP/picture alliance
European support
The annual event has now come to symbolize resistance to a general repression of civil society in Hungary under Orban’s nationalist government, which is facing a growing challenge from center-right opposition leader Peter Magyar’s Tisza party ahead of elections next year.
“This is about much more, not just about homosexuality,…This is the last moment to stand up for our rights,” Eszter Rein Bodi, one of the marchers, told the Reuters news agency.
“This isn’t just about LGBQT+ rights, it’s also about the right to assemble and about standing up for each other and not allowing [the
government] to oppress us,” another participant, Blanka Molnar, told the AP news agency.
Budapest Pride parade defies Orban’s ban To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
More than 30 embassies have also voiced support for the march, which was due to be attended by European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib and about 70 members of the European Parliament.
Ahead of the parade, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Hungarian authorities not to block the march.
“Our Union is one of equality and non-discrimination,” von der Leyen wrote in a statement. She called these “core values” that “must be respected at all times, in all Member States.”
Under a new law police are allowed to use facial recognition cameras to identify people who attend Pride Image: Rudolf Karancsi/AP/picture alliance
Anyone attending the march, however, risks being accused of a misdemeanor, while organizing such an event could carry the penalty of a one-year jail sentence, according to a letter sent to some foreign embassies in Budapest by Justice Minister Bence Tuzson.
The so-called child-protection legislation that allowed the ban to be imposed also allows police to hand out fines and to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees.
Civil society under pressure in Hungary
Over the past decade, Orban’s government has frequently been at loggerheads with the EU over its increasing repression of civil liberties and press freedoms under the guise of protecting “Christian” values. Orban has also used nationalism and far-right rhetoric to reinforce his grip on power since reclaiming his position as prime minister in 2010.
The ban on the Pride march is being seen by opponents as part of a wider crackdown on democratic freedoms ahead of next year’s elections, at which Orban’s government is expected to face a stiff challenge from Magyar, whose party has been leading in opinion polls.
Some marchers whore face masks mocking Orban Image: Rudolf Karancsi/AP/picture alliance
The Tisza party, while avoiding taking a strong position on gay rights issues, nonetheless called on the government to protect anyone attending the march.
“Peter Magyar has called on the Hungarian authorities and police to protect the Hungarian people this Saturday, and on other days as well, even if it means standing up against the arbitrariness of power,” its press office said. Magyar himself has not planned to attend.
Edited by: Kieran Burke and Darko Janjevic
Record Crowds Turn Up To Budapest Pride In Defiance Of Government Ban
Budapest Pride March turned out in defiance of new laws banning pride marches. The Hungarian government is already blaming Brussels for commanding the Hungarian opposition to stage the event. The powerful turnout marked 30 years of celebrations for Budapest Pride as the crowds called for the removal of Prime Minister Orban. While the crowds of support overwhelming dominated the march, counter protests in support of the prime minster happened nearby with a much smaller crowd gathering in supports of the new laws, opposing the march. The march was led by the President of Budapest Pride, Viktoria Radvanyi.
Earlier this year the government passed controversial constitutional amendment banning public LGBTQIA+ events, with thousands protesting in the streets and in parliament at the time of the laws passing.
The motion was introduced by rightwing populist party, Fidesz, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Massive crowds march for Budapest Pride
Instead of silencing the planned Budapest Pride, tens of thousands of people turned up, lining the streets with a sea of rainbow as they united against the controversial new laws.
“We believe there are 180,000 to 200,000 people attending,” the President of Budapest Pride, Viktoria Radvanyi, told the AFP.
“It is hard to estimate because there have never been so many people at Budapest Pride” they said.
According to organizers, more than 200 000 people attended the Budapest Pride March, despite a legal ban and threats from the government. The Hungarian government is already blaming Brussels for commanding the Hungarian opposition to stage the event. Photo: HVG pic.twitter.com/cekarQYmvy — Viktória Serdült (@viktoriaserdult) June 28, 2025
“Come calmly and boldly to stand together for freedom, dignity and equal rights” Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony told the LGBTQIA+ community.
The powerful turnout marked 30 years of celebrations for Budapest Pride as the crowds called for the removal of Prime Minister Orban.
It was anticipated that over 70 members of European parliament were also planning to attend the march including European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib.
The crowds gathered risking penalties for the new legislation which now makes it offence to conduct public events that contradict the country’s controversial “child protection” laws, which prohibit the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality or gender diversity to those under 18. Violators of the new laws could face fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (£420/$550).
The new amendments also allow the the government to use facial recognition to identify those who attend illegal events.
While the crowds of support overwhelming dominated the march, counter protests in support of the prime minster happened nearby with a much smaller crowd gathering in support of the new laws, opposing the march.
Budapest Pride Rally: What to know about Hungary’s huge crowd gathered in defiance of PM Orban
Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Hungary’s capital on Saturday, as a banned LGBTQ+ rights rally in Budapest turned into anti-government demonstration. The organisers estimate that more than 200,000 people may have part in the rally, while some of the demonstrators carried placards saying “Solidarity with Budapest Pride” Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his party have held that Pride, a celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and struggle for equal rights, is a violation of moral and spiritual development of children’s rights. Police in Hungary had issued orders to ban any protests or demonstrations in favour of Pride rallies with a new “child protection” law restricting gatherings considered to be promoting homosexuality. Attendees risk a fine of up to $586 (€500, £427) and they can be recognised via facial recognition. PM Orban declined the possibility of violent clashes between police and demonstrators but the leader of the right-wing populist governing party warned of potential legal repercussions for attendees.
Despite mounting pressure from the ruling nationalist conservative politicians and the police of a major crackdown over the display of pro-LGBTQ material, the organisers estimate that more than 200,000 people may have part in the rally, while some of the demonstrators carried placards saying “Solidarity with Budapest Pride”, BBC reported.
Eszter Rein Bodi, one of the protesters, said “This is about much more, not just about homosexuality…This is the last moment to stand up for our rights,” Reuters reported. Protesters risked potential police crackdown and heavy fines to participate in the 30th annual Budapest Pride, which has already been declared illegal by Orban’s government in March.
Story continues below this ad
Participants gather during the Budapest Pride march in Budapest, Hungary. (AP) Participants gather during the Budapest Pride march in Budapest, Hungary. (AP)
Why are people protesting in Budapest?
Huge crowds swelled the streets of Budapest on Saturday against the systemic curtailment of rights of the LGBTQ+ community by the Orban’s government in the past decade, and recently in March, a law was passed by the lawmakers that allowed for the ban of Pride marches, as it cited the need to protect children.
Also Read | Huge crowds pack Budapest as banned Pride swells into anti-Orban rally
Police in Hungary had issued orders to ban any protests or demonstrations in favour of Pride rallies with a new “child protection” law restricting gatherings considered to be promoting homosexuality. The opposition in Hungary see the move by Orban’s administration as part of a wider crackdown on democratic freedoms ahead of elections next year.
Hungary PM Orban and his party have held that Pride, a celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and struggle for equal rights, is a violation of moral and spiritual development of children’s rights.
How has Prime Minister Orban responded?
PM Orban-led government passed a legislation in March 2025 to curtail the Pride events being held in the country and restricted gatherings that were deemed to be promoting homosexuality. The controversial legislation also allowed the authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify all those taking part in the protest rally.
We hosted a delegation of Belgian political and civil society representatives who came to #Budapest to celebrate Pride. 🇧🇪🏳️🌈 Belgium is proud to stand in solidarity with the Hungarian #LGBTQI+ community. European values are rooted in respect, solidarity, and freedom for all. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/NiSjOKf1iq — Embassy of Belgium in Budapest (@BelgiumBudapest) June 28, 2025
PM Orban, reacting to the recent protests and Pride rally in Budapest, declined the possibility of violent clashes between police and demonstrators but the leader of the right-wing populist governing party warned of potential legal repercussions for attendees.
Story continues below this ad
“Of course, the police could break up such events, because they have the authority to do so, but Hungary is a civilised country, a civic society. We don’t hurt each other,” Orban said, according to BBC.
What is the penalty for taking part in Pride protest?
PM Orban has said that there will be “legal consequences” for those taking part in the Pride protests, being held for the rights of LGBTQ+ community. Attendees risk a fine of up to $586 (€500, £427) and they can be recognised via facial recognition.
Participants in the Pride march cross the Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest, Hungary. (AP) Participants in the Pride march cross the Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest, Hungary. (AP)
Other than attendees, the organisers of the Pride rally could face prison sentences of up to one year, reports stated.
What is Pride Day and why is it celebrated on June 28?
Pride Day is observed on June 28 every year to commemorate the Stonewall riots held in 1969. On that day, the gay community reportedly stood up against the raids by the New York Police Department on the Stonewall Inn bar in Manhattan, which was known as the meeting place of the community.
Story continues below this ad
A year later, Pride Parade started taking place on June 28 to support and protect the LGBTQ+ community and their rights.
Around 100,000 march for Pride in defiance of Hungary’s ban
Around 100,000 march for Budapest Pride in defiance of Hungary’s ban. Pride march, which the national assembly banned earlier this year citing child protection, is organized regardless by the local government of Budapest. Police diverted the crowd from its planned route to keep it separated from a small group of far-right counterprotesters. The massive size of the march was seen as a major blow to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s prestige, as the European Union’s longest-serving leader’s popularity slumps in the polls where a new opposition force has taken the lead. Authorities installed additional cameras throughout the city center before the march and were expected to use facial recognition tools to identify individuals who attended the banned event. According to the new law, being caught attending Pride could result in fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($586).Marcher András Faludy said the “hysteria” that has emerged in Hungary over the Pride march in recent months was “pathetic. It’s nonsense”
Advertisement Around 100,000 march for Budapest Pride in defiance of Hungary’s ban “This isn’t just about LGBQT+ rights, it’s also about the right to assemble and about standing up for each other and not allowing (the government) to oppress us,” one marcher said. Editorial Standards ⓘ
Around 100,000 people defied a government ban and police orders Saturday to march in what organizers called the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Hungary’s history in an open rebuke of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.Marchers gambled with potential police intervention and heavy fines to participate in the 30th annual Budapest Pride, which was outlawed in March by Orbán’s right-wing populist governing party.The march began at Budapest City Hall and wound through the city center before crossing the capital’s Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River. Police diverted the crowd from its planned route to keep it separated from a small group of far-right counterprotesters, while members of Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and masses of supporters danced to music and waved rainbow and anti-government flags.One marcher, Blanka Molnár, said it was “a fantastic feeling” that more people had attended the Pride march than ever before despite it being outlawed. She said it was “increasingly important” for Hungarians, “even those who have never been to Pride before,” to push back against the government’s policies.”This isn’t just about LGBQT+ rights, it’s also about the right to assemble and about standing up for each other and not allowing (the government) to oppress us,” she said.The massive size of the march, which the government for months had insisted would no longer be permitted in Hungary, was seen as a major blow to Orbán’s prestige, as the European Union’s longest-serving leader’s popularity slumps in the polls where a new opposition force has taken the lead.Orbán and his party have insisted that Pride, a celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and struggle for equal rights, was a violation of children’s rights to moral and spiritual development — rights that a recent constitutional amendment declared took precedence over other fundamental protections, including the right to assemble peacefully.The law fast-tracked through parliament in March made it an offense to hold or attend events that “depict or promote” homosexuality to minors underage 18. Orbán earlier made clear that Budapest Pride was the explicit target of the law.Authorities installed additional cameras throughout the city center before the march and were expected to use facial recognition tools to identify individuals who attended the banned event. According to the new law, being caught attending Pride could result in fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($586).Marcher András Faludy said the “hysteria” that has emerged in Hungary over the Pride march in recent months was “pathetic. It’s nonsense.””I could use an uglier word because I’m extremely angry, but I won’t,” he added.The ban was the latest crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights by Orbán’s government, which has already effectively banned both same-sex adoption and same-sex marriage and disallowed transgender individuals from changing their sex in official documents.Police rejected several requests by organizers in recent weeks to register the Pride march, citing the recent law. But Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony joined with organizers and declared it would be held as a separate municipal event — something he said doesn’t require police approval.But Hungary’s government remained firm, insisting that holding the Pride march, even if it’s sponsored by the city, would be unlawful. Hungary’s justice minister this week warned Karácsony that organizing Pride or encouraging people to attend would be punishable by up to a year in prison.Many marchers expressed their belief that the Pride march represented a struggle not just for the protection of the rights of LGBTQ people, but for the democratic future of their country.Participant Zsófia Szekér said the number of attendees showed that a significant part of society desired a new direction for Hungary.”I think we can only achieve change if so many people take to the streets,” she said.
Big crowds gather in Hungarian capital to defy ban on Budapest Pride
The 30th annual Budapest Pride march took place in the Hungarian capital on Saturday. The march proceeded in open defiance of a police ban imposed earlier this year under sweeping new legislation that prohibits LGBTQ+ events nationwide. At least 70 members of the European Parliament were expected to join the procession. In March, Hungarian lawmakers passed legislation barring Pride events and permitting the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants – measures campaigners say is illegal and part of a wider crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community. The ban sparked lively protests in Budapest in March, with organizers of the city’s Pride vowing to continue with the annual festival and declaring: “We will fight this new fascist ban’“. A petition demanding police reject the ban has gathered over 120,000 signatures from supporters in 73 countries, urging authorities to “reject this unjust law”
Beneath a blaze of rainbow flags and amid roars of defiance, big crowds gathered in the Hungarian capital Budapest for the city’s 30th annual Pride march – an event that, this year, is unfolding as both a celebration and a protest.
Moving through the capital in the sweltering heat, demonstrators carried signs reading “Solidarity with Budapest Pride” and waved placards bearing crossed-out illustrations of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Music played from portable speakers as people of all ages joined the march – families with pushchairs, teenagers draped in capes, and older residents walking alongside activists.
From the city’s historic centre to its riverside roads, the procession swelled in numbers and noise – visibly reclaiming public space in defiance of a law designed to push them out.
The march proceeded in open defiance of a police ban imposed earlier this year under sweeping new legislation that prohibits LGBTQ+ events nationwide.
A participant celebrates during the Budapest Pride March in the Hungarian capital. Lisa Leutner/Reuters
People take part in the parade in downtown Budapest. Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images
Eszter Rein Bodi was one of those who joined the massive crowds in Budapest on Saturday, telling Reuters: “This is about much more, not just about homosexuality … This is the last moment to stand up for our rights.”
Krisztina Aranyi, another marcher, told the news agency that “the right to assembly is a basic human right, and I don’t think it should be banned.”
She added, “Just because someone does not like the reason why you go to the street, or they do not agree with it, you still have the right to do so.”
Huge crowds turned out in the city for the parade, with many holding homemade banners aloft. One sign read “Transgender people are a blessing on this earth” while another banner read “Proud. United. Equal in every corner of the EU.”
At least 70 members of the European Parliament were expected to join the procession, officials told CNN in May.
Van Sparrentak, who is a Dutch MEP from the parliament’s “Greens/European Free Alliance” political group, told CNN that she will be attending Budapest Pride to “support the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary, to let them know that they are not alone (and) to be visible as a community.”
“Pride is a protest, and if Orbán can ban Budapest Pride without consequences, every pride is one election away from being banned,” she continued.
In March, Hungarian lawmakers passed legislation barring Pride events and permitting the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants – measures campaigners say is illegal and part of a wider crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community.
Temporary cameras were installed along the path of the Budapest Pride march on Friday, months after legislation was passed allowing the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. Balint Szentgallay/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Orban welcomed the ban, which he said would outlaw gatherings that “violate child protection laws.” His government has pushed a strongly Christian and conservative agenda.
The ban sparked lively protests in Budapest in March, with organizers of the city’s Pride vowing to continue with the annual festival despite the new law and declaring: “We will fight this new fascist ban.”
A petition demanding police reject the ban has gathered over 120,000 signatures from supporters in 73 countries, urging authorities to “reject this unjust law” – believed to be the first of its kind in the EU’s recent history – and ensure that the march proceeded “unhindered and peacefully, free from discrimination, harassment, fear or violence.”
CNN’s Catherine Nicholls and Billy Stockwell contributed to this report.