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Hungary's pride parade ban sparks EU dispute

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Myfirst1

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Hungary's pride parade ban sparks EU dispute
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are at odds over a police ban on Budapest’s Pride parade, set for Saturday. Von der Leyen urged Hungary to allow the event, calling it a basic right to march for equality. She shared her support for the LGBTQ+ community in a video on X, saying, “I stand with you.”

However, Orban responded sharply, telling the EU to stay out of Hungary’s law enforcement matters, claiming it has no authority to interfere. The ban stems from a 2025 law that restricts public events promoting non-traditional identities, citing child protection. Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karacsony, plans to hold the parade as a city event to bypass the restriction.

Organizers face up to a year in prison, and attendees risk fines of about $580, with police possibly using facial recognition to identify them. Despite this, thousands are expected to join, including EU Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and possibly other EU ministers.

Orban, in power since 2010, has pushed laws limiting LGBTQ+ rights, framing them as protecting family values. Critics see this as part of a broader clampdown on freedoms ahead of next year’s election. The Pride event, celebrating its 30th year, is expected to draw record international visitors, testing Orban’s policies.