Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karacsony was questioned by police as a suspect for his involvement in organizing a banned LGBTQ+ pride march, which took place on June 28 despite governmental threats. The event drew a record 200,000 participants who transformed it into an anti-government demonstration. Defending his stance, Karacsony stated that "neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest." He could face up to a year's imprisonment if convicted, as Hungary's laws increasingly restrict LGBTQ+ rights.
Budapest Mayor Faces Police Interrogation for Banned Pride March Organization
Budapest Mayor Faces Police Interrogation for Banned Pride March Organization
Hungary's nationalist government has intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, leading to police questioning of Budapest's mayor for his role in a defiant pride march.
On June 28, a major LGBTQ+ pride march in Budapest unfolded despite earlier warnings from Prime Minister Viktor Orban's administration regarding legality, highlighting tensions over the government's recent restrictions against LGBTQ+ gatherings. Mayor Gergely Karacsony appeared at Hungary's National Bureau of Investigation, identifying himself as a suspect for organizing the event.
Karacsony, donning a rainbow T-shirt emblazoned with the city’s emblem, stood alongside supporters as he professed his commitment to freedom and love. He expressed his intent to formally contest the accusations, deeming them baseless.
The law, introduced in March to ostensibly protect children, has been criticized for targeting Hungary's LGBTQ+ community, echoing concerns over similar prior legislation, such as the elimination of legal recognition for transgender individuals and a prohibition against the representation of homosexuality to minors. Defying potential fines, which had been indicated by authorities, he and the municipal government proceeded to plan the pride event.
In a turn of events, police later announced they would not penalize attendees, but the investigation against an “unknown perpetrator” remained open. With unprecedented numbers joining the pride rally, the event now reflects growing backlash against Orban's administration and its policies toward the LGBTQ+ community.
This latest stand exemplifies the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary amidst a politically charged environment, as the National Bureau of Investigation pursues the case against those believed to be involved in the pride march's organization.
Karacsony, donning a rainbow T-shirt emblazoned with the city’s emblem, stood alongside supporters as he professed his commitment to freedom and love. He expressed his intent to formally contest the accusations, deeming them baseless.
The law, introduced in March to ostensibly protect children, has been criticized for targeting Hungary's LGBTQ+ community, echoing concerns over similar prior legislation, such as the elimination of legal recognition for transgender individuals and a prohibition against the representation of homosexuality to minors. Defying potential fines, which had been indicated by authorities, he and the municipal government proceeded to plan the pride event.
In a turn of events, police later announced they would not penalize attendees, but the investigation against an “unknown perpetrator” remained open. With unprecedented numbers joining the pride rally, the event now reflects growing backlash against Orban's administration and its policies toward the LGBTQ+ community.
This latest stand exemplifies the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary amidst a politically charged environment, as the National Bureau of Investigation pursues the case against those believed to be involved in the pride march's organization.
