The Hungarian government has been trying to make life more difficult to the community for years. But this February took things to a new level by announcing the prohibition of Budapest Pride, which has been organized since the early 1990s.
However, Budapest is a solidarity city and is proud of its diversity. That is why we decided to organize Budapest’s pride this year as an official event of the City Council. Regardless of what the government says, according to current legislation, a municipal event does not require special permits, and therefore cannot be prohibited.
Media Europe has come to celebrate Budapest: EU Commissioners, the vice president of the European Parliament, many Eurodiputados, members of executives from other countries of the Union, numerous ministers mayors, local leaders and ambassadors accompanied us.
Its presence is significant because, if a pride can be prohibited in an EU Member State, then no one in Europe is safe. Or we are all free, or nobody is. This support reinforces the idea that the European Union is not only an economic alliance between governments, but a community of shared values - a one that respects and celebrates diversity. This Saturday, together we have sent a friendly, loving message, but also firm to the world: Budapest will not give up his freedom, his pride or his solidarity.
In recent decades, the acceptance of sexual diversity has constantly increased in Hungary, and in Budapest, most neighbors support the organization of Budapest Pride.
In recent years, the Hungarian government has pointed out several social groups as enemies; Now, following the Russian example, he encourages hatred against sexual minorities. However, the strong support for the forbidden pride of Budapest demonstrates that the prime minister has made a calculation error this time. In fact, the attempt of prohibition has made even more people plan to attend Budapest Pride. More than ever, it has been the most massive in its history.
Just a few days ago, I expressed that I want to be the person who officiated the first wedding between people of the same sex in Hungary. The connection is clear: the places where civil liberties are guaranteed – where people can celebrate love freely and happily – are the ones that prosper. Where these rights are taken away, there is decline and darkness.
Hungary does not want to live in that darkness. Hungary is not equal to his government. Budapest does not even look like it.
