Budapest Pride Draws Record Crowd Despite Government Ban

An estimated 200,000 people participated in the 30th Pride parade in Budapest on Saturday. This record-breaking attendance significantly surpassed the previous high of 35,000. The event took place despite a government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, representing a major setback for LGBTQ rights within the European Union.

The ruling coalition had previously amended laws and the country's constitution to prohibit the annual celebration. They cited "child protection" as justification for the ongoing restrictions on LGBTQ rights. However, the opposition-led Budapest city hall decided to co-host the march, ensuring it could proceed. While Mr. Orban stated that police would not disrupt the parade, he cautioned participants about potential "legal consequences."

Organizers of the parade could face up to a year in prison, while attendees could be fined up to €500. Recent legal changes also grant authorities the ability to use facial-recognition technology to identify participants, with cameras recently installed along the parade route. According to reports, numerous European lawmakers attended the event in defiance of the ban.

Szabolcs Pek, a lead analyst at the Iranytu Institute, described the parade as a "big embarrassment" for Mr. Orban's Fidesz party, noting the difficulty in responding to the large turnout. Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs claimed the opposition orchestrated the parade "at Brussels' command." He accused the opposition of inciting against laws, mocking Hungary's sovereignty, and attempting to impose "woke culture" with foreign support.

Marchers faced scorching temperatures and frequently had to pause for police to manage traffic. One participant, a 66-year-old named Zoltan, expressed pride and fear, stating he was surprised and moved by the large crowd. Since Mr. Orban's return to power in 2010, Hungary has steadily restricted LGBTQ rights. It became the first EU nation to ban a Pride march, with Mr. Orban citing the anti-diversity stance of former US President Donald Trump as an influence. However, the EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, urged Hungarian authorities to reverse the ban. Additionally, 33 nations, including most EU countries, issued statements supporting the march.

Protests against LGBTQ rights also occurred along the parade route, organized by far-right groups. One such demonstration featured a wooden cross with protest messages. One woman, Katalin, expressed agreement with the ban, though she hoped to avoid any clashes, calling the parade "disgusting" and a "fad.