In a bold response to police efforts to ban the Pride march, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony declares that the march will go ahead, framing it as a "Day of Freedom."
Budapest Mayor Defies Police Ban on Pride March, Promises "Day of Freedom"
Budapest Mayor Defies Police Ban on Pride March, Promises "Day of Freedom"
Amidst escalating tensions, Budapest's mayor insists the Pride event will proceed as planned, indicating a critical stand for LGBTQ rights.
The conflict between the Hungarian government and the LGBTQ community intensifies as police have officially banned the upcoming Budapest Pride march scheduled for June 28. However, Mayor Gergely Karacsony has taken a resolute stance, affirming that the city will host the event regardless. "Budapest city hall will organise the Budapest Pride march as a local event on 28 June. Period," he stated, emphasizing the right to assembly against government pressures evidenced by the actions of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz government.
The backdrop to this confrontation involves a recent law that restricts gatherings under the premise of child protection, leading to fears among organizers that the event could be disrupted. Orban and his government have made clear their opposition to the Pride march, claiming that it poses a threat to the nation's children, with government spokesperson Tamas Menczer reiterating the stance that Pride should not be viewed as an expression of freedom.
Despite the government's attempts to prevent the event, various LGBTQ organizations, including the Rainbow Mission foundation, are planning to hold a series of events simultaneously, strategically keeping the authorities uncertain about the main Pride event. Previous interventions by Hungary's Supreme Court have thwarted police efforts to ban these gatherings.
In a recent announcement, Mayor Karacsony revealed additional details about the "Day of Freedom," emphasizing that while it serves as a nod to the LGBTQ community, it will focus on broader themes of freedom rather than traditional Pride elements. The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees from both Hungary and abroad, aiming to reinforce the message of love and acceptance in the face of adversity.
The city police, however, have threatened participants with fines for any perceived violations of the law that prohibits public displays of sexual orientation. Human rights organizations are urging participants to gather and assert their rights, advising them to reject any on-the-spot penalties imposed by police, to ensure the event remains a celebration of freedom for all. The ongoing bout highlights the critical struggle between progressive values and entrenched governmental power in Hungary.
