Police ban Budapest Pride march, but mayor vows it will go ahead

Hungary's nationalist government has clamped down on LGBTQ+ events

The Budapest Pride march, scheduled for July, has been banned by police in Hungary, citing concerns over public
order and COVID-19 regulations. Nevertheless, the mayor of Budapest
has vowed to back the parade and ensure it goes ahead, raising concerns about
a growing crackdown on LGBTQ+ events and freedoms in the country.

What is behind the banning of the Budapest Pride march?

The official explanation for the ban revolves around
public order, terrorism, and COVID-19 precautions, with authorities citing
concerns about disruption by far-right groups. However, critics see the
ban as another attempt by Hungary's nationalist government to suppress
LGBTQ+ events and voices, emphasizing that Pride marches have been
peaceful and highly controlled in the past.

A stance from the mayor of Budapest

The mayor, Gergely Karácsony, stated that the city will
do everything in its power to ensure that the Pride march goes ahead,
adding that the ban is yet another attempt to intimidate and silence
those who advocate for fundamental rights, freedoms, and pluralism.

A broader context of shrinking LGBTQ+ rights

This move comes amid a broader crackdown on
LGBTQ+ events and organizations in Hungary. Earlier this year,
government officials passed legislation banning educational materials
that could promote homosexuality, and labeled certain LGBTQ+
organisations as "dangerous."