Hungary's Orban Warns of Legal Action Over Banned Pride March Amid International Criticism

 Budapest, June 28 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday issued a stern warning against defying a police ban on the upcoming Budapest Pride March, stating that any attempts to organise or participate in the event could lead to “clear legal consequences.”

The warning comes in the wake of controversial legislation passed by Hungary’s Fidesz-majority parliament in March, which grants law enforcement the authority to prohibit LGBTQ+ marches on the grounds of protecting children. The law also permits the use of facial recognition technology to identify attendees and impose penalties.

Speaking during his weekly address on state radio, Orban said, “We are adults, and I recommend that everyone decide what they want, keep to the rules… and if they don’t, then they must face the legal consequences.” He added that while police have the power to disperse a banned gathering, Hungary is a “civilised country” where the focus should be on encouraging lawful behaviour.

Orban, who has long promoted a conservative Christian agenda, framed the issue through a moral lens, remarking: “We are in the world not to make each others’ lives more difficult but easier—this is the essence of Christianity.”

The legislation and subsequent ban have drawn sharp criticism from international governments and human rights advocates, who view the move as part of a broader erosion of democratic freedoms in Hungary. With national elections set for next year, recent polls suggest Orban may be facing one of his strongest opposition challenges to date.

Earlier this week, more than 30 countries, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement in support of Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and the Pride event, originally scheduled for June 28.

In a direct appeal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the Hungarian government to allow the march to proceed. Orban, however, rebuffed the call, likening it to Cold War-era interference.

“Just like Moscow, she [von der Leyen] regards Hungary as a subordinated country and believes she can dictate from Brussels how Hungarians should live, what to like and what not to like,” Orban said.

Despite the police ban, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, known for his liberal stance, has vowed to proceed with the march, framing it as a municipal celebration of freedom.

Orban’s government has introduced a series of laws in recent years that critics say have systematically undermined the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, drawing concern from the European Union and global watchdogs. These measures include bans on LGBTQ+ content in schools and restrictions on legal gender recognition.

As tensions escalate ahead of the weekend, human rights groups warn that Hungary’s increasing curbs on freedom of assembly and expression may signal a worrying trend within the EU. All eyes will be on Budapest as the international community watches closely how authorities enforce the new legislation.