Budapest Pride: MEPs to Join March Despite Government Ban
European Lawmakers Stand Up for LGBTQ+ Rights
A group of around twelve Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has pledged to travel to Budapest on June 28 to participate in the local Pride March, even though the Hungarian government recently banned the event. This move follows the controversial law passed in March that prohibits the organization of such demonstrations. The MEPs’ decision is widely seen as a stand against the restrictive policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and a public show of support for LGBTQ+ communities.
EU Leaders Voice Support for Peaceful Protest
The ban has sparked outrage across Hungary, with thousands joining protests. European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, emphasized that peaceful protest is a “fundamental right” within the EU. “Everyone should be free to be themselves, live and love without fear,” she declared. French MEPs Mélissa Camara (Greens) and Fabienne Keller (Renew) are among those who confirmed their attendance at the Budapest Pride. Others from the Greens, Renew, Left, and the S&D group — including its president Iratxe Garcia Perez — have also expressed their support.
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Solidarity in the Face of Repression
Hungarian socialist MP Csaba Molnar urged fellow Europeans to stand united: “Let us prove that Europe is built on mutual respect, not hate.” Marc Angel, head of the European Parliament’s LGBTIQ+ Intergroup, representing over 100 MEPs from five major political groups, expressed hope for a large turnout. “Budapest deserves our presence. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.”
EU Funds in the Balance
The European People’s Party (EPP) has yet to confirm whether its members will attend. Péter Magyar, a vocal opponent of Orbán and EPP member, remains silent on the issue. Meanwhile, Green MEP Daniel Freund called on the European Commission to go further in its response, demanding a full suspension of EU funding to Hungary until core democratic values are restored. Currently, billions in EU funds remain frozen over rule-of-law concerns.
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