Solidarity for LGBTQ rights: Vienna protests against Pride ban!

Solidarity for LGBTQ rights: Vienna protests against Pride ban!

Wien, Österreich - The pressure on the Hungarian LGBTQI community grows after the authorities in Budapest have decided to ban the "Pride ban". On May 26, 2025, the police decided to prohibit a planned LGBTQI demonstration on June 1st. This decision was justified with a change in the law that prohibits the assemblies that represent homosexuality or sexual diversity in order to protect alleged "rights of children". At the same time, the statements of the Hungarian EU minister János Bóka, who emphasizes that there is no ban on such events, are contradictory. The police referred to a legal framework adopted in March, which makes some demonstrations legally contestable.

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

Solidarity campaign in Vienna

In the middle of this tense situation, a solidarity campaign will take place in Vienna on June 28, 2025. The aim of this event is to support the Queeren Community in Budapest and to protest against the ban on the Pride event. According to Amnesty International

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

international reactions

Developments in Hungary also caused a sensation at European level. In a joint statement, 20 EU countries, including Germany, asked the EU Commission to proceed against the Hungarian government. This is committed to the restriction of the rights of LGBTQI people, which is deeply worrying, such as "https://www.dw.com/de/lgbtq-rechte-20-eu-l%C3%A4ND-FARMEN-MA%C3uced reported. Among the measures required include punishments for organizers of pride demonstrations and the introduction of automatic face recognition, which threatens freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and data protection.

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

The situation in Hungary is a critical example of the challenges with which LGBTQI people are faced in Europe. The solidarity campaigns in Austria could represent a ray of hope for the Hungarian community and are a clear sign: the struggles for equality and acceptance go beyond national borders.