Budapest Mayor Speaks at Vienna Pride Amid Calls for Unity on LGBTQ+ Rights
Gergely Karácsony emphasizes the importance of safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights in Europe during his speech at the Vienna Pride event.
On Saturday evening, Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest, addressed participants at the Vienna Pride event, urging a unified stance in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
He highlighted the Hungarian government's efforts to restrict fundamental rights of citizens, expressing concerns over the proposed ban on the Budapest Pride.
Karácsony stated that Hungary does not equate to its government, advocating that the Budapest Pride is a collective issue requiring broader support across Europe.
He emphasized, "If Pride can be banned in one EU member state, then no EU citizen is safe."
Karácsony attended alongside members of the Hungarian Fidesz party, including Alexandra Szentkirályi, the leader of the Fidesz faction in the Budapest Assembly.
Szentkirályi described the scenes at the Vienna Pride as so intense that they could only be shared on a Facebook page accessible to individuals over 18. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán commented on her post stating, "This is exactly what we do not want at home!"
Earlier in May, Karácsony also spoke at the Brussels Pride, echoing similar sentiments.
At the Vienna event, he extended his sympathy to the victims of a recent school shooting in Graz, Austria, acknowledging the broader context of violence and societal challenges.
The 2023 Budapest Pride commenced in early June, amidst significant political controversy.
On March 18, the Hungarian National Assembly passed legislation that could potentially lead to the Pride parade's prohibition citing child protection as justification.
Despite this, organizers planned to hold the Pride event on June 28, marking its 30th anniversary, despite facing potential fines of up to 200,000 HUF for those involved in events deemed to "promote homosexuality."
The Budapest police have prohibited the planned rainbow parade for the third time as of Friday, previously denying it on two occasions, although both bans were overturned by courts, mandating a new procedure.
The police justified their decision by stating that the reported event could actually be the Budapest Pride or could transform into it, referencing concerns about minors encountering prohibited content under the child protection law.
In recent weeks, leading Fidesz politicians have made conflicting statements regarding the Pride event.
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson suggested relocating the event outside Budapest's city center to Kincsem Park.
However, Minister for Construction and Transport János Lázár countered that such a move would be too permissive, asserting, "Therefore, there will not be a Pride on Andrássy Avenue, nor will there be a Pride at Puskás, and I hope, in the interest of the horses, there will not be a Pride at Kincsem Park either." Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister's Office, stated the law does not target sexual minorities but is about protecting children, asserting that equality could still be expressed at Kincsem Park.
Later, Lázár advised against appearing foolish by having created a law that is not enforced.
Orbán indicated in a closed lecture on Wednesday that the ban on Pride was enacted because it is not a mere opinion-expressing demonstration but rather a parade.
In late May, twenty EU member state governments jointly expressed concerns regarding Hungary's recent anti-LGBTQI measures.
The statement was supported by countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Slovenia, the Benelux nations, and the Baltic states.
Additionally, at least seventy Members of the European Parliament indicated their intention to participate in the Budapest Pride this year.
Solidarity demonstrations in support of Budapest Pride were organized across Europe in March, including in the Austrian capital.
Most recently, Paul Fox, the British Ambassador to Hungary, commented on the ban of the Pride event, highlighting increasing political rhetoric that demonizes minorities and the government's attempts to silence domestic critics through legal threats.
He noted that Hungary approaches a dangerous threshold but reiterated that the UK will remain a friendly yet critical partner, basing relations on shared values and security.
He highlighted the Hungarian government's efforts to restrict fundamental rights of citizens, expressing concerns over the proposed ban on the Budapest Pride.
Karácsony stated that Hungary does not equate to its government, advocating that the Budapest Pride is a collective issue requiring broader support across Europe.
He emphasized, "If Pride can be banned in one EU member state, then no EU citizen is safe."
Karácsony attended alongside members of the Hungarian Fidesz party, including Alexandra Szentkirályi, the leader of the Fidesz faction in the Budapest Assembly.
Szentkirályi described the scenes at the Vienna Pride as so intense that they could only be shared on a Facebook page accessible to individuals over 18. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán commented on her post stating, "This is exactly what we do not want at home!"
Earlier in May, Karácsony also spoke at the Brussels Pride, echoing similar sentiments.
At the Vienna event, he extended his sympathy to the victims of a recent school shooting in Graz, Austria, acknowledging the broader context of violence and societal challenges.
The 2023 Budapest Pride commenced in early June, amidst significant political controversy.
On March 18, the Hungarian National Assembly passed legislation that could potentially lead to the Pride parade's prohibition citing child protection as justification.
Despite this, organizers planned to hold the Pride event on June 28, marking its 30th anniversary, despite facing potential fines of up to 200,000 HUF for those involved in events deemed to "promote homosexuality."
The Budapest police have prohibited the planned rainbow parade for the third time as of Friday, previously denying it on two occasions, although both bans were overturned by courts, mandating a new procedure.
The police justified their decision by stating that the reported event could actually be the Budapest Pride or could transform into it, referencing concerns about minors encountering prohibited content under the child protection law.
In recent weeks, leading Fidesz politicians have made conflicting statements regarding the Pride event.
Justice Minister Bence Tuzson suggested relocating the event outside Budapest's city center to Kincsem Park.
However, Minister for Construction and Transport János Lázár countered that such a move would be too permissive, asserting, "Therefore, there will not be a Pride on Andrássy Avenue, nor will there be a Pride at Puskás, and I hope, in the interest of the horses, there will not be a Pride at Kincsem Park either." Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister's Office, stated the law does not target sexual minorities but is about protecting children, asserting that equality could still be expressed at Kincsem Park.
Later, Lázár advised against appearing foolish by having created a law that is not enforced.
Orbán indicated in a closed lecture on Wednesday that the ban on Pride was enacted because it is not a mere opinion-expressing demonstration but rather a parade.
In late May, twenty EU member state governments jointly expressed concerns regarding Hungary's recent anti-LGBTQI measures.
The statement was supported by countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Slovenia, the Benelux nations, and the Baltic states.
Additionally, at least seventy Members of the European Parliament indicated their intention to participate in the Budapest Pride this year.
Solidarity demonstrations in support of Budapest Pride were organized across Europe in March, including in the Austrian capital.
Most recently, Paul Fox, the British Ambassador to Hungary, commented on the ban of the Pride event, highlighting increasing political rhetoric that demonizes minorities and the government's attempts to silence domestic critics through legal threats.
He noted that Hungary approaches a dangerous threshold but reiterated that the UK will remain a friendly yet critical partner, basing relations on shared values and security.
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