Budapest Pride

Budapest Pride is a European tradition. For almost 30 years, Hungary’s queer community has been marching in the streets together with their allies. This year, Viktor Orbán’s far right government wants to change that.

Orbán has spent the last years silencing free media, undermining independent judicial institutions, and attacking minorities. Now, Pride is the target. According to recent statements, Pride would only be allowed indoors - which goes against the essence of Pride.

The official reasoning is absurd. By allegedly trying to “protect youth”, Hungary is once again attacking basic human rights - including the freedom of assembly. Many young people are part of the LGBTI community. Pride is a powerful occasion to feel normal, included and welcomed in a community.

Pride is a celebration and a protest. Trying to silence it is yet another cowardly attempt to intimidate minorities.

This is happening in Hungary right now, but it is not likely to stop there. With an emboldened far right in both Europe and the US, our rights can be under attack anywhere.

We will not tolerate this. Defending Pride is defending equal rights in Europe.

Therefore, we undersigned, express our support to Budapest Pride and urge European leaders to send a clear message to Viktor Orbán: Europe is - and will remain - diverse and free.

Update:

On the 18th March 2025, the National Assembly in Hungary has passed the bill banning pride in Budapest. One day later, on the 19th March, the President has signed the bill. The government plans to use facial recognition technology to track and punish those who dare to show up anyway. Anyone attending could face massive fines and legal action. Organizers could be criminally prosecuted.

This campaign is jointly organised by Tilt and The Federation of Young European Greens.