Budapest Pride Defies Government Ban, Becomes Largest LGBTQ+ Demonstration in Hungary’s History

Budapest, June 28, 2025 — In a bold act of defiance against Hungary’s increasingly restrictive laws on LGBTQ+ expression, an estimated 200,000 people flooded the streets of Budapest on Saturday for the 30th annual Pride parade, making it the largest demonstration of its kind in the country’s history. The event, held despite a government-imposed ban, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in Hungary and a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ rights across Europe.

A Celebration of Identity Amid Crackdown

Rainbow flags waved high above the crowd as marchers chanted slogans of love, freedom, and equality. The parade, which began at Budapest City Hall and wound through the city center, was co-hosted by the opposition-led municipal government in defiance of a national ban passed earlier this year by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.

The new legislation, framed as a “child protection” measure, prohibits public events that “depict or promote” LGBTQ+ identities. It also empowers authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify participants and imposes fines of up to €500 ($590) for attendees, with organizers facing up to one year in prison.

Despite these threats, the turnout shattered previous records—far surpassing the 35,000 who attended in 2024—and transformed the parade into a powerful act of civil resistance.

“Freedom and Love Can’t Be Banned”

The mood on the streets was both festive and defiant. Marchers carried signs reading “None of us are free until everyone is free” and “Freedom and love can’t be banned,” while music blared from floats and allies of all ages joined in solidarity.

“I am proud to be gay and very scared that the government wants to bring us down,” said Zoltán, a 66-year-old participant who declined to give his full name. “I am very surprised that there are so many people—I want to cry”.

Marcell Szántó, a 22-year-old economics student, said he felt compelled to attend: “I definitely wanted to come, if only to show my solidarity, and to show how important this issue is—not only to me, but to almost everyone living in Budapest”.

Political and Legal Tensions

The parade’s legality remains in dispute. While Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, a member of the liberal Green Party, declared the event a municipal celebration exempt from national restrictions, the national government insisted it remained illegal. Police largely observed from the sidelines, though surveillance cameras were installed along the route to identify participants.

Prime Minister Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010, warned that marchers would face “clear legal consequences.” His government has long targeted LGBTQ+ rights, amending the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman and banning adoption by same-sex couples.

Government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács accused the opposition of staging the parade “at Brussels’ command,” claiming it mocked Hungary’s sovereignty and attempted to “force woke culture onto us”.

International Solidarity and Condemnation

The parade drew widespread international support. Dozens of European lawmakers attended in defiance of the ban, and 33 countries, including most EU member states, issued a joint statement backing the march.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Hungary to reverse the ban, stating, “The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental values of the European Union. They must be upheld everywhere”.

Amnesty International Hungary described the event as “easily the biggest Pride and perhaps the biggest demonstration ever” in the country’s history.

A Broader Struggle for Rights

While the parade was a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, many participants emphasized that the stakes were broader. “This isn’t just about LGBTQ+ rights,” said Blanka Molnár, a marcher interviewed by the Associated Press. “It’s also about the right to assemble and about standing up for each other and not allowing [the government] to oppress us”.

The event also highlighted the growing divide between Hungary and the European Union over democratic norms. Hungary is now the first EU country to ban a Pride march, a move critics say violates the bloc’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Government Pushback and Counter-Protests

In a symbolic move, authorities granted a permit for an anti-LGBTQ+ march to coincide with the Pride parade. However, the counter-demonstration was sparsely attended and largely overshadowed by the massive turnout for Pride.

Pro-government media outlets attempted to discredit the event by circulating misleading images from other countries’ Pride celebrations and falsely claiming they endangered children. Organizers responded by urging participants to dress modestly and respect local norms, with most marchers wearing casual summer attire.

The Road Ahead

As Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies reflect on the success of this year’s Pride, questions remain about the legal consequences for those who participated. Lawyers have advised marchers to refuse citations, and human rights groups are preparing to challenge any prosecutions in court.

Despite the risks, organizers say the event has already achieved a major victory. “We showed that we will not be silenced,” said one spokesperson. “This is our city too, and we will keep marching.”