Hungarian authorities have denied a permit for the annual LGBTQ+ Pride march in Budapest, intensifying fears of an escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. The ban follows recent legislative and constitutional changes enacted earlier this year that grant the government increased power to prohibit LGBTQ+ public events. Officials from the Budapest police justified the decision by citing potential risks to minors and the possibility of bystanders being exposed to what the government classifies as prohibited behavior. The organizers of Budapest Pride have condemned the move as a “textbook example of tyranny” and have vowed to proceed with the march regardless of the ruling.
In March 2025, Hungary’s parliament passed a controversial bill described by critics as authoritarian, followed by an April amendment to the constitution. These measures expanded the government’s ability to restrict public gatherings deemed to promote homosexuality or gender diversity, especially in the presence of minors. The law, described by the ruling party as a “child protection” measure, prohibits the so-called promotion or depiction of LGBTQ+ content to anyone under 18. Violations could lead to fines and surveillance, with authorities reportedly planning to use facial recognition to identify participants at banned events.
The move has triggered a wave of protests across Hungary and abroad. Demonstrations were held in cities including Vienna, with hundreds rallying in solidarity with the Hungarian LGBTQ+ community. In a dramatic display of opposition, lawmakers in Hungary’s parliament set off colored smoke bombs during a legislative session, filling the chamber with plumes of pink, purple, and blue. Activists and human rights organizations have condemned the new laws as a flagrant attack on freedom of expression and assembly.
The European Union has reacted with concern, with 20 member countries signing a joint statement condemning the legislation and calling on Hungary to uphold the values of equality, dignity, and human rights enshrined in EU treaties. However, concrete action from the EU has been limited, with no sanctions imposed due to a lack of unanimous support among member states.
Despite the legal and political pressure, Budapest Pride organizers are pressing forward. Marking its 30th anniversary, the event has become a symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of growing authoritarianism. Organizers emphasize that visibility and advocacy remain crucial in Hungary’s increasingly hostile climate. As international scrutiny mounts, the situation has become a defining moment in the battle over LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
