[ad_1]
Tens of thousands of Hungarians and international allies flooded Budapest’s streets Saturday in a historic show of defiance against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ban on Pride celebrations.Record-breaking crowds protest Orban’s “child protection” ban as facial-recognition cameras loomWaving rainbow flags and signs declaring “Freedom and love can’t be banned,” crowds estimated at over 35,000 marched past newly installed facial-recognition cameras, a tool authorities threatened to use for identifying participants. The 30th anniversary event, which began at the opposition-run city hall, unfolded peacefully despite scorching heat and police warnings of “legal consequences” for attendees.”I am proud to be gay… and I am very scared that the government wants to bring us down. I am very surprised that there are so many people, I want to cry,” a 66-year-old participant was quoted as telling AFP, who gave only his first name, Zoltan.Orbán’s government had amended Hungary’s constitution in March to prohibit Pride events under “child protection” grounds, allowing fines up to €500 for attendees and one-year prison terms for organizers. Opposition mayor Gergely Karacsony circumvented the ban by declaring the march a municipal event—a move national police rejected but couldn’t forcibly stop.EU officials join municipal defiance amid warnings of prison terms and finesDozens of EU lawmakers joined the procession, including Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, who condemned Hungary’s “discriminatory treatment” of LGBTQ+ people.”Orban is employing a tried-and-tested recipe ahead of next year’s election by generating a conflict,” political analyst Daniel Mikecz was quoted as telling AFP, saying that Orban was “polarising society”.The atmosphere remained defiantly festive even as far-right groups staged counter-protests; police diverted routes to avoid clashes. For 18-year-old student Ákos Horváth, participation held “symbolic importance”: “It’s about standing up for the rights of all Hungarians”.The massive turnout signals growing resistance to Orbán’s decade-long erosion of LGBTQ+ rights, a campaign analysts say aims to rally conservative voters ahead of the 2026 elections.Though Orbán claimed inspiration from Donald Trump’s “anti-diversity push,” the event drew unprecedented global support: 33 nations and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the ban. For 66-year-old Zoltán, a first-time marcher, the solidarity was overwhelming: “I want to cry seeing so many people here”.
[ad_2]
Source link
HomeBlogOther TalentsRainbow defiance? Tens of thousands flood Budapest streets for banned Pride march | Today News
Rainbow defiance? Tens of thousands flood Budapest streets for banned Pride march | Today News
June 28, 2025
Read next
FB777 Pro Slot Casino in Philippines
October 27, 2025
In recent years, online gaming has been developing fast, and slot games are coming into the limelight. A large…
4 min read
6 views
Kiran Rao on casting newcomers in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ instead of big stars and taking sabbatical from direction: ‘It worked in our favor’ | Hindi Movie News – Times of India
September 25, 2024
[ad_1] Director Kiran Rao made headlines for her latest film ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which has become India’s…
3 min read
6 views
Israeli strikes on Gaza since morning kill 39, including women and children: Report | Today News
April 6, 2025
[ad_1] At least 39 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since early Sunday…
2 min read
8 views
Happy Birthday Ranbir Kapoor: ‘Animal’ star strikes a happy pose in casual look alongside wife Alia Bhatt and others | Hindi Movie News – Times of India
September 28, 2024
[ad_1] Ranbir Kapoor marks his 42nd birthday today and the celebrations are in full swing. His wife, Alia Bhatt,…
3 min read
4 views