Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday in what organizers called the largest Pride parade to date, defying a government ban on the event. The parade, which took place without official permits, drew thousands of participants and onlookers, despite the presence of police forces attempting to enforce the prohibition. Attendees risk a fine of up to 150,000 Hungarian forint ($460) for participating in the unauthorized gathering, while organizers could face a one-year prison sentence under Hungarian law.
Police forces in Budapest have been instructed to use non-violent methods to disperse the crowd, though reports suggest that some officers were reluctant to engage in direct confrontation with the demonstrators. The event was held on the same day as a national holiday commemorating the death of Hungarian poet and Nobel laureate Péter Esterházy, adding significance to the gathering. LGBTQ+ activists from across the country gathered to express their solidarity, with many participating in pride-colored costumes and holding signs advocating for greater rights and protections.
A spokesperson for the Hungarian government stated that the parade was in direct violation of public order laws, emphasizing the need to maintain a secure public space. However, the display of solidarity and the scale of the event suggest a significant level of public support for the LGBTQ+ community, despite the legal challenges. The situation has sparked debate both within Hungary and internationally, with some human rights organizations issuing statements condemning the ban and calling for the protection of freedom of assembly and expression.