"This is not child protection, this is fascism," say the organizers of Budapest Pride. Hungarian government again attacks LGBTQ+ rights, sparks massive wave of protests
History prides: the protest and the freedom movement
Pride is not only a celebration of diversity, it is also (and perhaps primarily) a political act. And as far as Hungary is concerned, this year's event can be seen as more fundamental in this respect than any previous Pride event. Hungarians are a freedom-loving people and have historically resisted oppression many times - from the 1848 revolution to the fall of the communist regime. The slogan of that time, 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity', remains very relevant today.
When Pride march organizers and participants stand up for their rights, they are fighting not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for the democratic values of the entire country. For the rights of all people of Hungarian nationality, not just those who fall into the rainbow spectrum. The Orbán government is afraid of the opposition and is therefore using a tried and tested tactic of the Putin regime - scapegoating. In Hungary, this role has historically been filled by migrants, independent journalists, academics or NGOs. Currently, the LGBT+ community is once again at the forefront of political competition.
'Child protection' as a pretext for suppressing freedom
The Orbán regime masquerades as a moral ethos, claiming to want to 'protect children'. However, this argument is false. Laws that refer to the protection of minors do not actually address any real threat. Instead, they criminalise education about LGBTQ+ issues, censor the media and prevent people from organising public meetings.
Similar legislation already exists in Russia and has been used there to brutally crack down on human rights organisations. Its aim is not to protect children, but to consolidate political control and create a climate of fear in which opposition voices are silenced by force. If the government is given the opportunity to legislate to restrict or completely ban demonstrations on the basis of vague rules, no protest, however peaceful and non-violent, will be possible any more.
The LGBTQ+ community in Hungary: a life of constant struggle
Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary fight daily for their dignity and right to exist. They face legislative attacks, homophobic rhetoric in the media and state propaganda that portrays them as a threat to society. In 2021, the Hungarian government passed the infamous 'Child Protection Act', which excludes any mention of LGBTQ+ issues in school curricula and public space. The European Union has called this law a violation of fundamental human rights and has launched legal proceedings against Hungary.
However, bans and censorship will not silence the community. LGBTQ+ people are not a 'threat', as the Hungarian government is trying to tell us. They are citizens who want to live freely, authentically and without fear. And even though the Orbán administration is trying to dehumanise them, the fight for equality is certainly not dying down. On the contrary...
The end of censorship is not in sight
Today, as the Hungarian government attacks LGBT+ individuals, fears are raised about what may come next. Will it be the opposition, environmental activists, students? If Pride marches are successfully criminalised, how long will it be before the right to protest is abolished altogether? Hungary is on a dangerous path where it is no longer just about the LGBTQ+ community, but about the fundamental freedoms of all citizens.
Orbán VS. the people
The 30th annual Budapest Pride will take place on 28 June 2025 and is expected to become one of the most significant expressions of resistance to the Orbán government. The organisers refuse to back down and their message is clear: "We are home. We will be here to fight for a freer Hungary."
The European Union, international organisations and ordinary citizens should not turn a blind eye to what is happening in Hungary. Governments that suppress the rights of LGBTQ+ people are gradually usurping power over the whole of society. We see this in Russia and, unfortunately, currently in Slovakia. It is time to make it clear that Europe does not want another authoritarian regime. Once is enough, never again.
If the Hungarian Government cannot guarantee the freedoms of all its citizens, including LGBTQ+ people, then it is admitting its own inability to run a democratic country. The question is therefore whether Hungary should continue to be part of the countries representing the free world.
Budapest Pride 2025 will take place this year on 28 June, more info on the official Facebook page.
