A march in support of LGBTQ rights took place on Saturday afternoon in Budapest, beginning at four o'clock.

Approximately 25 participants gathered at Erzsébet Square, carrying rainbow flags, before proceeding down Andrássy Avenue to Heroes' Square.

The event was secured by the police, which included a recording vehicle accompanying the marchers.

The demonstration was announced by four human rights organizations: Amnesty International Hungary, Háttér Társaság, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, and Társaság a Szabadságjogokért.

David Vig, the director of Amnesty International Hungary, confirmed that the police acknowledged the demonstration.

This gathering was organized in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, aiming to protest against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and to advocate for the right to free assembly.

The assembly aimed to highlight the legal inequalities faced by the LGBTQI community and to condemn laws that restrict their rights.

Vig noted that this demonstration serves purposes similar to those of the Pride events and may set an important precedent for future gatherings.

During her speech, Márta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, thanked the police for securing the gathering and emphasized the importance of the event as an example of exercising the right to peaceful assembly, which she hopes will also be honored during this year's Budapest Pride.

Luca Dudits, an executive representative of Háttér Társaság, stated that public survey data indicates that Hungarian society is becoming increasingly accepting of LGBTQI individuals, with 60% of the population having an LGBTQI acquaintance.

Many are increasingly critical of legislative restrictions on their rights, as noted by other speakers.

Szabolcs Hegyi, a legal expert from Társaság a Szabadságjogokért, also demanded legal equality and condemned the spring legislation aimed at restricting the right to assembly, as well as the constitutional amendments that underpin it.

Citing the protection of children, the governing Fidesz party restricted the right to assembly; on March 18, the National Assembly voted in favor of a proposal that would effectively ban events promoting homosexuality and gender transition.

Organizers and participants could face fines of up to 200,000 Forints.

The restriction on the right to assembly and the ban on Pride events have led to several protests across the country.

The amendment to the constitution states that every child has the right to the protection and care necessary for their proper physical, mental, and moral development, prioritizing this right above all others except the right to life.

Máté Szabó, the professional director of Társaság a Szabadságjogokért, stated that fundamental rights cannot be restricted unconditionally, including the rights to assembly and freedom of expression, following this constitutional amendment.

Fundamental rights may only be restricted to the extent that is necessary and proportionate, and any restriction must be suitable for achieving the intended goals.

If these three conditions are not simultaneously met, then it is unreasonable to ban Pride events on the grounds of protecting children's rights.

This year's Budapest Pride is planned for June 28. The human rights organizations assert that it is the police's duty to recognize and ensure the participants' rights during the event.

Separately, Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, addressed the Brussels Pride, stating that he arrived from a country that values freedom and where acceptance of sexual minorities has grown in recent years.

He noted that many Hungarians feel shame regarding their government's actions.

He also addressed the assembly law restricting the right to gather in the name of child protection, stating that it is now officially prohibited to hold gatherings that promote homosexuality, effectively banning Pride in its known form in Hungary.

Karácsony indicated that the government implements numerous measures aimed at restricting the civil rights of Hungarian citizens, asserting that the Pride event cannot be banned as freedom and love cannot be legislatively suppressed.

He invited everyone to attend the most colorful Pride in Budapest on June 28, highlighting its significance for all citizens.

In contrast, David Vitézy, a representative from the Podmaniczky Movement, criticized the mayor's focus on international Pride events instead of addressing critical local issues.

Karácsony has stated he will also meet with several members of the European Commission and has written to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting immediate intervention regarding legislation targeting free press and civil society.

Additionally, civil groups and trade unions, including the Democratic Union of Teachers and the Union of Hungarian Public Workers, oppose the legislative proposal by Fidesz aimed at undermining civil entities that the government dislikes.

They argue that if enacted, the law would severely violate the rights of civil society, trade unions, and independent press.

They are scheduled to hold a joint public press conference on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Kossuth Square to send a clear message to decision-makers to respect the rights of civil society, trade unions, and free press.