Budapest Pride March 2025: Here's why large crowd gathered to protest against Viktor Orbán

Hindustan Times

a day ago

Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Hungarian capital on Saturday to take part in the 30th annual Budapest Pride march, defying the ban and legal threats by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration against LGBTQ rights activists in the country. Holding rainbow flags, the protestors were seen carrying signs that read 'Solidarity with Budapest Pride'. They even held placards featuring crossed-out images of Orbán, CNN reported. Tens of thousands protest in Budapest against LGBTQ rights ban despite legal threats from the government. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP)(AFP)
The procession continued to swell in numbers as people across all age groups took part in it from the historic center in the city to its riverside roads. They marched forward and defied the police ban that was imposed earlier this year under an all-new legislation, which prohibits LGBTQ+ events across the country.
Eszter Rein Bodi, a protester, told Reuters that this march was not just concerning homosexuality, but was "about much more" than that, calling it the "last moment" to stand up for their rights.
Another person, named Krisztina Aranyi, said the "right to assembly is a basic human right," urging the government not to put a ban on it.
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In March 2025, lawmakers in Hungary passed a controversial legislation that completely barred Pride events across the country and restricted gatherings that were considered to be promoting homosexuality. Also, it allowed the use of facial recognition technology to identify all the people who are taking part in such events.
On Friday, Orban downplayed the possibility of the Pride march ending up in violent clashes between the protestors and the police. He even warned that the government would take legal action against the attendees, BBC reported.
The demonstrators believe that such measures are 'illegal' and call them a wider crackdown against the LGBTQ+ community. Welcoming the ban, Orban earlier said that this will outlaw all such gatherings that 'violate child protection laws,' CNN reported. Notably, the protestors are risking a fine of up to $586 if they are identified by police. FAQs 1. What time is the NYC Pride Parade?
As per CBS News, the NYC Pride March begins at noon (local time) on Sunday, June 29. 2. Where is the Seattle Pride Parade?
The event will be held in downtown Seattle, along 4th Avenue between Union Street and Denny Way. 3. When exactly is Pride Day?
Observed on June 28, this day commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, reports said. 4. What time is the Pride Parade in Nashville?
It was at 10 AM (local time) on June 28.