In a brave and symbolic move in the face of authoritarian legislation, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced that Budapest Pride will go ahead this year despite a ban imposed by Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The pride march will officially be part of “Budapest Freedom Day,” a historic event commemorating the country’s liberation from Soviet troops.
The decision comes in direct conflict with the so-called “child protection law” passed in March by Viktor Orbán’s government. This law bans Pride marches, providing for fines of up to 200,000 forints (about 503 euros) and the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. A law widely denounced as a tool of censorship and intimidation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Karácsony, a believer in democratic values, emphatically stated: “Freedom and love cannot be banned. Budapest Pride is a celebration of joy and freedom. No person should be discriminated against for who they love, their origin or their beliefs. In Budapest, the freedom of others is just as important as our own.”
The initiative was also supported by the Rainbow Mission Foundation, which is co-organizing the march, stating that the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed and belongs to every Hungarian citizen. Pride spokesperson Máté Hegedűs stressed: “This fight is not just for the LGBTQ+ community. It is for everyone who is in danger, silenced or oppressed. We will be their voice.”
The ban on Pride has sparked strong reactions both inside and outside Hungary. More than 10,000 protesters flooded the streets of Budapest, demanding the law be repealed. At the same time, 22 embassies — including Greece’s — signed a joint letter denouncing the restriction of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Budapest Pride 2025 will take place on June 28 , sending a resounding message of unity, resilience and hope. Through hardship, censorship and threats, the city chooses to stand with its people — without exception.
At a time when democracy is being tested, Budapest shows that diversity, dignity, and love are not negotiable.
