Solidarity for LGBTQ rights: Vienna protests against Pride ban!

Solidarity for LGBTQ rights: Vienna protests against Pride ban!

The pressure on the Hungarian LGBTQI community is growing after the authorities in Budapest decided on the >Pride ban<. On May 26, 2025, the police decided to ban a planned LGBTQI demonstration on June 1st. This decision was justified by a change in the law banning gatherings depicting homosexuality or sexual diversity in order to protect supposed "children's rights". At the same time, the statements of the Hungarian EU Minister János Bóka, who emphasizes that there is no ban on such events, contradict the facts. Police cited a legal framework adopted in March that makes some demonstrations legally challengeable.

But the organizers have not given up hope and still consider the planned Budapest Pride on June 28th to be important. They expect massive participation, also in protest against the legal challenges facing the LGBTQI community. This year's event is intended not only to draw attention to transphobia and homophobia, but also to fight for the rights of LGBTQI people. The police decision is considered arbitrary and discriminatory, undermining the fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly.

Solidarity action in Vienna

In the midst of this tense situation, a solidarity action will take place in Vienna on June 28, 2025. The aim of this event is to stand by the queer community in Budapest and to protest against the ban on the Pride event. Loud Amnesty International The event will be held in front of the Hungarian Embassy from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs, rainbow flags and friends. In addition to musical performances, there will be the opportunity to sign an Amnesty International petition on site to put pressure on the Hungarian authorities. “We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI community and show that we stand up for their rights,” said an organizer of the event.

International reactions

The developments in Hungary have also caused a stir at the European level. In a joint statement, 20 EU states, including Germany, called on the EU Commission to take decisive action against the Hungarian government. This is committed to restricting the rights of LGBTQI people through various legal changes, which is deeply worrying how DW reported. Among the measures called for are penalties for organizers of pride demonstrations and the introduction of automatic facial recognition, which threatens freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and data protection.

The EU states are calling on Hungary to revise the regulations and uphold international obligations. Otherwise, there is a threat to use all instruments of the rule of law mechanism to hold the Hungarian government to account. At the same time, it is emphasized that Hungarian legislation in this form is unacceptable and it is necessary to maintain pressure on the government.

The situation in Hungary stands as a critical example of the challenges faced by LGBTQI people in Europe. The solidarity actions in Austria could represent a ray of hope for the Hungarian community and are a clear sign: the fights for equality and acceptance go beyond national borders.