Budapest Pride March Banned, Mayor Defies Government | JQJO

Budapest police banned the annual Pride march, citing a new law restricting gatherings promoting homosexuality near children. However, Mayor Gergely Karacsony defiantly declared the march will proceed as a city-organized "Day of Freedom" on June 28th. This action escalates the conflict between the nationalist government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and LGBTQ+ advocates. Tens of thousands are expected to attend, despite potential fines for participants under the new law. The mayor's defiance is backed by previous court rulings against similar government attempts to ban related events.