Hungary's Prime Minister Addresses Pride Parade Ban Amid Legislative Changes
Viktor Orbán responds to press queries regarding the future of the Budapest Pride event during EU summit preparations.
At a press conference in Brussels, Viktor Orbán, Hungary's Prime Minister, addressed questions about the potential ban on the Budapest Pride parade.
When asked directly if the event would be prohibited, Orbán stated, "At this moment, we are not there yet."
However, his response was not unequivocal.
He elaborated on recent constitutional changes made by the government, asserting that children have a fundamental right to appropriate education and upbringing, which he emphasized as a primary value that supersedes the basic rights of other citizens in Hungary.
He indicated these changes provide a legal framework under which events contrary to the interests of children could potentially be banned.
Orbán further noted that organizers of such events must seek approval from the authorities as is standard procedure, and he clarified that individuals participating in the parade would not face arrest but could incur fines if found violating laws.
"If you are breaking the law, then you must pay," he remarked.
In addition to the inquiries about the Pride parade, Orbán mentioned discussions at the upcoming EU summit would include Ukraine's bid for EU membership, a move Hungary opposes.
He stated his reluctance to support the disbursement of EU funds to Ukraine, suggesting that the European Union's primary mission should be to support U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve peace.
"If there is someone on earth who could now establish peace, it is the President of the United States," he asserted.
In a related development, legislation enabling the ban on the Pride parade was signed into law by Hungary's President, Tamás Sulyok.
The amendment was debated in an expedited parliamentary process and passed without abstentions, with 136 votes in favor and 27 against.
In response to the legislative changes, the Momentum Movement organized a demonstration on Kossuth Square to protest the modifications to the assembly law that facilitate the Pride event's prohibition.
During the protest, activists led by Ákos Hadházy marched to the Margit Bridge, where tensions reportedly arose between demonstrators and police, resulting in the detention of three men by law enforcement.
Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karácsony has publicly supported the Pride event, vowing that "Budapest Pride will take place, and it will be bigger than ever before!"
When asked directly if the event would be prohibited, Orbán stated, "At this moment, we are not there yet."
However, his response was not unequivocal.
He elaborated on recent constitutional changes made by the government, asserting that children have a fundamental right to appropriate education and upbringing, which he emphasized as a primary value that supersedes the basic rights of other citizens in Hungary.
He indicated these changes provide a legal framework under which events contrary to the interests of children could potentially be banned.
Orbán further noted that organizers of such events must seek approval from the authorities as is standard procedure, and he clarified that individuals participating in the parade would not face arrest but could incur fines if found violating laws.
"If you are breaking the law, then you must pay," he remarked.
In addition to the inquiries about the Pride parade, Orbán mentioned discussions at the upcoming EU summit would include Ukraine's bid for EU membership, a move Hungary opposes.
He stated his reluctance to support the disbursement of EU funds to Ukraine, suggesting that the European Union's primary mission should be to support U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve peace.
"If there is someone on earth who could now establish peace, it is the President of the United States," he asserted.
In a related development, legislation enabling the ban on the Pride parade was signed into law by Hungary's President, Tamás Sulyok.
The amendment was debated in an expedited parliamentary process and passed without abstentions, with 136 votes in favor and 27 against.
In response to the legislative changes, the Momentum Movement organized a demonstration on Kossuth Square to protest the modifications to the assembly law that facilitate the Pride event's prohibition.
During the protest, activists led by Ákos Hadházy marched to the Margit Bridge, where tensions reportedly arose between demonstrators and police, resulting in the detention of three men by law enforcement.
Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karácsony has publicly supported the Pride event, vowing that "Budapest Pride will take place, and it will be bigger than ever before!"
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
