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The Guardian
23 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Budapest Pride expected to be a rallying cry against Orbán's rollback of rights
Record numbers of people are expected to take part in Budapest Pride on Saturday, with Hungarians joining forces with campaigners and politicians from across Europe in a march that has become a potent symbol of pushback against the Hungarian government's steady rollback of rights. 'This weekend, all eyes are on Budapest,' Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for equality, told reporters in the Hungarian capital on Friday. 'This is bigger than one Pride celebration, one Pride march. It is about the right to be who you are, to love who you want, whether it is in Budapest, in Brussels or anywhere else.' The country's main Pride march was cast into doubt earlier this year after the country's ruling Fidesz party – led by the rightwing populist Viktor Orbán – backed legislation that created a legal basis for Pride to be banned, citing a widely criticised need to protect children. The government also said it would use facial recognition software to identify people attending any banned events, potentially fining them up to €500 (£425). The move caused outrage from within Hungary and beyond, turning Budapest Pride into a rallying cry against a government that has long faced criticism for weakening democratic institutions and gradually undermining the rule of law. Lahbib said the EU was standing alongside LGBTQ+ people. 'It is a core value to gather peacefully, to be who you are, to love who you want,' she said. 'These are the core values that generations before us have built, brick by brick, and we are not going to allow any kind of regression from one of our member states.' Organisers of Budapest Pride, which this year will mark its 30th anniversary, said the government was attempting to restrict peaceful protests by targeting them. 'This event was one of the important milestones of the LGBTQ community,' said its spokesperson Máté Hegedüs. 'Our slogan this year is that we are at home. By this, we want to draw attention to the fact that LGBTQ people are an integral part of Hungarian society, just as any other people. In our history, in our culture, this is where we belong.' Hours before the march was due to begin, however, uncertainty loomed over how officials would react. While Orbán has said that those who attend or organise the march will face 'legal consequences', he said Hungary was a 'civilised country' and police would not 'break it up … It cannot reach the level of physical abuse'. Nicolae Ștefănuță, the vice-president of the European parliament, on Friday called on police to respect those attending. 'I would like to say that the police and institutions of the state have a duty to protect the citizens,' he said. 'It's as clear as possible.' The sentiment was echoed in a petition, signed by more than 120,000 people spanning 73 countries, that called on police to 'reject this unjust law' – believed to be the first of its kind in the EU's recent history – and ensure that the march proceeded 'unhindered and peacefully, free from discrimination, harassment, fear or violence'. Despite uncertainty, tens of thousands of Hungarians are expected to take part. Joining them will be politicians and rights campaigners from more than 30 countries, including Ireland's former taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Spain's minister of culture, Ernest Urtasun, more than 70 members of the European parliament, and the mayors of Brussels and Amsterdam. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, this week joined calls for Hungarian authorities to allow the event to go ahead. Orbán was swift to hit back, likening it to receiving orders from Moscow in communist times. 'She thinks she can dictate to Hungarians from Brussels how they should live,' he said in a radio interview. The widespread pushback, both domestic and international, had seemingly done little to dissuade the Hungarian government. This week, the country's justice minister, Bence Tuzson, appeared to warn embassy staff from attending the event. 'The legal situation is clear: the Pride parade is a legally banned assembly,' he said in a letter seen by the Guardian. 'Those who take part in an event prohibited by the authorities commit an infraction,' he said, adding that those organising or announcing the event faced up to a year in prison. The progressive mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has said the gathering will instead go ahead as a municipal event, meaning it will not require official authorisation. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion The result was an 'extraordinary scenario', said Márta Pardavi of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a human rights organisation. 'Currently the legal situation is quite unclear – it is unclear whether this will be a demonstration that the police have banned or whether it will be some other type of event, as Mayor Karácsony has talked about.' The NGO has joined forces with two other organisations to produce a Q&A for the event, addressing concerns such as whether attenders risk being fired from their jobs and whether being fined could later jeopardise university entrance or foreign travel. The organisations have also promised to provide legal aid to any participants who are fined. Complicating matters were three countermarches planned on Saturday by groups with ties to the extreme right, said Pardavi. 'This means you will have a lot of people with very, very different views on the streets,' she said. Analysts have described the government's hardline stance against Pride as another move in its years-long rollback of LGBTQ+ rights. This time, however, it comes as Orbán faces an unprecedented challenge from a former member of the Fidesz party's elite, Péter Magyar, before next year's elections, leading organisers to suggest they are being scapegoated as Orbán scrambles to shore up support among conservative voters. The widespread view has led Hungarians from all walks of life – including many who have never marched before – to take part in Saturday's event. 'These are the actions of a government in the run-up to an election they fear they will lose, so they are trying to distract public attention from their deep corruption and unpopularity,' said Andrew Ryder, who is among a group of academics from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest who will be joining the march in solidarity. 'I am deeply concerned that my home, Hungary, is on a trajectory that will lead to fascism,' he said. 'However, the mood of the country is turning and if Hungary can restore its democracy it could be a model for other countries trying to overcome authoritarianism.' Nearly 50 organisations from across Europe have meanwhile urged EU officials to launch an infringement procedure against Hungary, citing the possibility that real-time facial recognition would be used on attenders. If so, it would be a 'glaring violation' of the EU's recently adopted Artificial Intelligence Act, the letter noted. Hungarian officials have yet to release details on how the technology will be deployed. 'Hungary's use of facial recognition to surveil Pride events marks a worrying change in how new technologies can be used to suppress dissent and target marginalised communities,' the Civil Liberties Union for Europe, one of the signatories of the letter, said in a statement. It said it risked a 'dangerous precedent by normalising invasive monitoring of peaceful gatherings and undermining civil liberties'.
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
PRIDE Abroad: Global Destinations Embracing LGBTQ+ Travelers
TOPSHOT - Aerial view of the 28th Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, taken on June 2, 2024. ... More (Photo by Miguel SCHINCARIOL / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP via Getty Images) The first PRIDE celebrations were held in June 1970, marking the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Over time, the protests and marches for resistance and acceptance evolved into massive lively festivals that represented progress while continuing to strive for equality. Today, across America, the month of June is filled with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrating equal love and acceptance. However, under the current political climate and social hostilities, the light around PRIDE celebrations in certain areas has been dimmed. Government regulations have impacted funding for affiliated organizations, affecting the scale and resources of celebrations and heightening safety concerns surrounding large gatherings. Since January 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has tracked nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ state legislative bills across the United States targeting transgender youth, restricting access to affirming services and limiting public expression of LGBTQ+ identities. As stateside PRIDE events face growing uncertainty, many in the community are looking beyond domestic borders. Safety concerns, especially for transgender individuals and other marginalized identities have made some feel less comfortable participating in home based events. In response, international PRIDE celebrations have become more than just travel opportunities, they're affirming escapes. LGBTQ+ travelers account for over $218 billion in global travel spending, with 80% choosing destinations that are openly inclusive, supportive of queer rights and LGBTQ+-led businesses . According to an Expedia survey of 1,000 queer travelers, 54% plan to attend a PRIDE event this year. Seventy-six percent plan to travel outside of their hometown for the occasion, with 43% attending with friends and 10% going solo or bringing a parent. PRIDE is currently celebrated in at least 101 countries, with Google Trends reporting Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain and France as some of the top ten destinations where individuals searched for PRIDE celebrations. PRIDE celebrations in other countries are increasingly sought after for the opportunity to have unique experiences in welcoming spaces. Here are a few standout locations and destinations that provide a sense of solidarity that transcends VICTORIA STATE, AUSTRALIA - 2025/02/09: A participant wears a special costume adding to ... More the colorful atmosphere of the festival. Victoria's Pride marks the grand finale of Midsumma Festival 2025, drawing thousands to Gertrude and Smith Streets for a day of music, dance and celebration. Supported by the Victorian Government, this event honors LGBTQIA+ communities and their ongoing fight for equality. The festival's roots trace back to the 40th anniversary of decriminalizing homosexuality in Victoria reflecting a legacy of resilience and progress. (Photo by Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Victoria, Australia's lineup of PRIDE activations celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities across both metropolitan and regional areas. Top events include the GALA and People's Choice Awards in Fitzroy North, a semi-formal evening hosted by Euphoria Social that honors queer achievements and supports mental health initiatives and the Gippsland Pride Gala at Lardner Park. Melbourne plays host to Southern HiBearnation, a week-long VicBears festival featuring dance parties, BBQs and the Mr. Australasia Bear competition along with the RISING Festival, which amplifies diverse artistic voices. Pride Cup events blend sports and inclusion statewide and state-supported regional pop-ups bring celebrations to towns like Daylesford and Ballarat. Looking ahead, Victoria's largest LGBTQIA+ cultural celebration, the Midsumma Festival, returns January 18–February 8, 2026, with more than 200 events spanning queer arts, music and family-friendly Pride attracts people from across Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and even Tulum. Known for its stunning beaches and welcoming atmosphere, Tulum, Mexico is steadily becoming a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. Its PRIDE scene has been growing with standout events like Playa Pride and the debut of Kismet Pride—its first-ever Black LGBTQIA+ Pride experience. Playa Pride draws revelers from Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancún for beachside parties, a vibrant parade and regional solidarity. Meanwhile, Kismet Pride organized by Nubia Younge's Black in Tulum offers a luxury sapphic-focused weekend at Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club featuring wellness sessions, rooftop foam parties, beach club events and curated mixers that elevate and celebrate Black LGBTQIA+ identity. Several restaurants, bars and resorts in the area have summer-long activations and deals celebrating PRIDE that reflect Tulum's evolving - A masked participant cheers during the Prague Pride parade in Prague on August 12, 2023. ... More (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images) Now in its 15th year, Prague Pride stands out as one of Central Europe's most inclusive and defiant Pride celebrations. Prague's Pride is both a joyful festival and a powerful act of resistance. The 2025 theme, "Where Is My Home?"—a poignant line from the Czech national anthem—touches on questions of identity, belonging and safety for queer people in today's hostile political climate. With over 200 events across the city, Prague Pride offers a diverse range of activities including open-air concerts, art exhibitions, debates, community forums and nightlife. The highlight is the annual parade through the UNESCO-listed historic center. The festival also features a Pride Village on the Vltava River, the Pride Café in Kinský Garden for English-speaking visitors and an international football tournament promoting inclusivity through PERU - 2016/07/02: Thousands of members of the LGBT community marched through the streets of ... More Lima downtown under the slogan "we are neighbors, we are not criminals". (Photo by Fotoholica Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) Lima's PRIDE celebration, known as Marcha del Orgullo Lima, is an annual parade that draws over 50,000 participants marching from Campo de Marte through the historic center to Plaza San Martín in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Beyond the parade's festive atmosphere, the march also serves as a political demonstration advocating for equality, transgender rights and social justice. Lima has grown increasingly accepting of its queer community, with expanding visibility reflecting comprehensive progress. The march now benefits from coordination with city authorities and the presence of civil organizations, embassies and inclusive spaces across ICELAND - AUGUST 17: University of Iceland students take part in the Reykjavík Pride ... More parade on August 17, 2019 in Reykjavik, Iceland. The festival, organized by Reykjavík Pride, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and will take place from August 8th to the 17th. (Photo by) Reykjavík Pride is one of Iceland's most joyful celebrations, lighting up the capital every August and September with a colorful parade, concerts and community events that draw nearly 100,000 locals and visitors alike. Reykjavík remains welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers year-round thanks to its progressive values, vibrant queer community and strong legal protections. Consistently ranking high on the Legatum Prosperity Index and the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, Iceland stands out as a global leader in LGBTQ+ travel. Locals praise Kiki Queer Bar as the heart of the city's LGBT+ scene, providing a space for endless dancing and socializing. Pink Iceland, a local travel agency that specializes in destination weddings for LGBT+ couples, has compiled a list of queer-owned businesses in Reykjavík worth Pride Walk 2018 The lively capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, shines as a beacon of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in a region where PRIDE and affirming celebrations remain rare. Every year from late September to early October, Curaçao Pride transforms the UNESCO-listed streets of Punda and Otrobanda into a colorful parade and a week-long series of events that draw international visitors and approximately 3,000 parade-goers. The island's LGBTQ+ community benefits from progressive protections such as the legalization and protection of same-sex marriage since July 2024. The island also boasts several queer-friendly businesses and accommodations that hold events and activities welcoming LGBTQ+ patrons. The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, situated on Piscadera Bay, is renowned for its inclusive hospitality. The resort offers tailored Pride programming including artistic and wellness classes that focus on providing a safe space and peace of mind for LGBTQ+ guests and from Queerest Kowloon City, located in the eastern half of the Kowloon Peninsula, is one of Hong Kong's most diverse districts. The urban metropolis is the perfect backdrop for Hong Kong's colorful and captivating Pride scene, offering a striking contrast to the more conservative currents of the rest of the city. Beginning in June and continuing into July, Eaton HK on Nathan Road serves as the epicenter of Kowloon's PRIDE celebrations with its annual Pride at Eaton festival—this year themed "Reorient to the Future"—a robust interweaving of queer arts, disability pride and refugee solidarity that defies social norms. This year's activations include drag concerts, pop-up markets, several art exhibitions, theatre performances centered on queer artists and a reprise of their popular "Love is Love" package in partnership with Benefit Cosmetics, gifting beauty and relaxation products to all queer couples staying at the Eaton HK property.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Is Georgia unsafe for LGBTQ community? State gets F on report card, ranks in bottom 10
It's Pride Month, when LGBTQ issues are discussed and communities are celebrated. But should Georgia be a bit more proud all year round? On Tuesday, SafeHome released its latest state report cards for LGBTQ safety. The grades were based on a composite safety score including a law score (based on pro- and anti-equality legislation) and a hate crime score (based on the incidence of hate crimes against people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity). Georgia ranked the 10th worst state in this study with a failing grade of an F (58%). When asked for further data they collected, the research team said Georgia had 14 laws that advanced LGBTQ equality, and six laws that detract from equality. However the state had a relatively low number of pro-equality laws in the area of non-discrimination, which carried a higher weight in our scoring system due to their importance to LGBTQ survey respondents. By comparison the top states had closer to 50 pro-equality laws and 0 "anti-equality" laws. "According to the latest FBI data we analyzed, Georgia had 31 reported hate crimes related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Some states had well over 100 reported hate crimes, but only 56% of Georgia law enforcement agencies reported hate crime data to the FBI, which docked its score." They went on to report that, according to the ACLU, 14 laws were defeated in the Georgia legislature that would have impacted LGBTQ rights. This year, however, three detrimental laws have been passed related to school facilities and sports bans, prison health restrictions, and religious exemption laws. Ten additional laws are advancing now though the legislative session is adjourned. Here are the top 10 safest states ranked from best to worst: Rhode Island California Delaware Connecticut Nevada New Hampshire Minnesota Virginia Maine Colorado Here are the bottom 10, least-safe states ranked from worst to best: Florida Louisiana Mississippi Tennessee Utah South Dakota Alabama Kansas Nebraska Georgia Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia gets failing grade on LGBTQ state safety report card 2025
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Legal clarity sought from Belfast High Court on Supreme Court gender ruling
Guidance will be sought from the High Court in Belfast over the effect a landmark Supreme Court ruling on gender will have in Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission in Northern Ireland has said that there is 'significant' legal uncertainty in the wake of the ruling, including how it interacts with existing equality law and with Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission Geraldine McGahey said they would consult with other parties on whether they wish to join the legal proceedings on the 'nuanced and complicated' issue. Ms McGahey said through referring the issue to the courts, they hoped to avoid 'the toxicity which has sometimes characterised the debate'. The Supreme Court in London declared in April that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'. The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women can be excluded from women-only spaces such as toilets and changing rooms. However, the Equality Act 2010 does not cover Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission was to prepare guidance on the ruling's potential implications on Stormont departments. In a legal paper published by the Equality Commission on Friday, it said it would request legal clarity from the High Court. The Commission said that once the High Court decides on the matter, and subject to any appeals, the Commission will then produce its draft guidance, which will be subject to further consultation. Ms McGahey said: 'After much consideration and analysis, the Commission has concluded that the situation in Northern Ireland, in respect of this matter, is much more nuanced and complicated, and there is significant uncertainty due to our unique legal landscape. 'We have no interest in merely speculating as to how a court might determine these issues in the future. We will not answer these legal uncertainties by weighing the arguments 'for' and 'against'. 'It is important that the Commission shows leadership as people and their lives are at the heart of this issue. 'To achieve greater long-term certainty and clarity for all involved, the Commission will be seeking a declaration from the courts to address several questions regarding the significant legal uncertainties. 'Our equality laws do not sit in isolation; they interact with other laws and regulations for which the Commission does not have a remit. 'We believe other bodies and organisations will also require clarification on the legal position in relation to their own areas of work and may join the Commission in its legal proceedings. 'The Commission will issue Pre-Action Protocol letters to government departments and other public bodies with legal responsibilities potentially affected by the judgment and to other interested parties. 'The Commission will also commence a wider consultation process for all interested stakeholders.' She said the Commission wants to give everyone the opportunity to engage and will welcome input from all stakeholders. 'We fully recognise the challenges faced by employers and service providers as they try to navigate these uncertainties,' she said. 'As this is an evolving area of law, we will keep our interim information for employers and service providers under review and offer advice on a case-by-case basis where the law is clear. 'Ultimately, maximising legal certainty and transparency is at the heart of our strategy. 'We aim to create a robust framework for offering guidance, rather than being subject to numerous legal uncertainties that may be contested in the courts over the coming years at potentially great cost to the public purse. 'By adopting this approach, we hope to avoid the toxicity which has sometimes characterised the debate around how to balance the rights of biological women and transgender women by creating a space for debate and adjudication by the courts. 'We believe our approach will be in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.'
BreakingNews.ie
19 hours ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Legal clarity sought from Belfast High Court on UK Supreme Court gender ruling
Guidance will be sought from the High Court in Belfast over the effect a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling on gender will have in the North. The Equality Commission in Northern Ireland has said that there is 'significant' legal uncertainty in the wake of the ruling, including how it interacts with existing equality law and with Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. Advertisement Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission Geraldine McGahey said they would consult with other parties on whether they wish to join the legal proceedings on the 'nuanced and complicated' issue. Susan Smith and Marion Calder, co-directors of For Women Scotland, celebrated outside the Supreme Court in London after terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex (Lucy North/PA) Ms McGahey said through referring the issue to the courts, they hoped to avoid 'the toxicity which has sometimes characterised the debate'. The Supreme Court in London declared in April that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'. The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women can be excluded from women-only spaces such as toilets and changing rooms. Advertisement However, the Equality Act 2010 does not cover Northern Ireland. The Equality Commission was to prepare guidance on the ruling's potential implications on Stormont departments. The ruling sparked protests in London and elsewhere (Andrew Matthews/PA) In a legal paper published by the Equality Commission on Friday, it said it would request legal clarity from the High Court. The Commission said that once the High Court decides on the matter, and subject to any appeals, the Commission will then produce its draft guidance, which will be subject to further consultation. Advertisement Ms McGahey said: 'After much consideration and analysis, the Commission has concluded that the situation in Northern Ireland, in respect of this matter, is much more nuanced and complicated, and there is significant uncertainty due to our unique legal landscape. 'We have no interest in merely speculating as to how a court might determine these issues in the future. We will not answer these legal uncertainties by weighing the arguments 'for' and 'against'. 'It is important that the Commission shows leadership as people and their lives are at the heart of this issue. 'To achieve greater long-term certainty and clarity for all involved, the Commission will be seeking a declaration from the courts to address several questions regarding the significant legal uncertainties. Advertisement 'Our equality laws do not sit in isolation; they interact with other laws and regulations for which the Commission does not have a remit. 'We believe other bodies and organisations will also require clarification on the legal position in relation to their own areas of work and may join the Commission in its legal proceedings. 'The Commission will issue Pre-Action Protocol letters to government departments and other public bodies with legal responsibilities potentially affected by the judgment and to other interested parties. 'The Commission will also commence a wider consultation process for all interested stakeholders.' Advertisement She said the Commission wants to give everyone the opportunity to engage and will welcome input from all stakeholders. 'We fully recognise the challenges faced by employers and service providers as they try to navigate these uncertainties,' she said. 'As this is an evolving area of law, we will keep our interim information for employers and service providers under review and offer advice on a case-by-case basis where the law is clear. 'Ultimately, maximising legal certainty and transparency is at the heart of our strategy. Entertainment Nicola Coughlan raises more than €120,000 for UK t... Read More 'We aim to create a robust framework for offering guidance, rather than being subject to numerous legal uncertainties that may be contested in the courts over the coming years at potentially great cost to the public purse. 'By adopting this approach, we hope to avoid the toxicity which has sometimes characterised the debate around how to balance the rights of biological women and transgender women by creating a space for debate and adjudication by the courts. 'We believe our approach will be in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.'
