Solidarity with Budapest: Vienna fights for LGBTI rights and democracy!

Solidarity with Budapest: Vienna fights for LGBTI rights and democracy!

Wien, Österreich - On June 30, 2025, the City Councilor of Vienna, Veronica Kaup-Hasler, took part in Budapest Pride to show solidarity with the queer community in Hungary. This was done in the context of a ban on the Pride parade by the Hungarian government, which Kaup-Hasler classified as an attack on fundamental rights within the EU and on democratic culture. Her trip also included a meeting with Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony and representatives of other European cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Paris and London to discuss the preservation of democratic freedom under authoritarian conditions. In a joint explanation, active use for minority rights was emphasized, which underlines the need to live and protect cultural diversity, especially in times of growing repression.

challenges for LGBTI rights in Hungary

In Hungary, a new law came into force at the beginning of the year, which prohibits the assemblies that support LGBTI rights. This was a threat to the Budapest Pride, which was originally planned for June 28th. Eszter Mihály, LGBTI rights representative at Amnesty International Hungary, heads the "Let Pride March" campaign. She appealed to the national police to ensure the march without repression, surveillance or intimidation.

The Situation for LGBTI people in Hungary has deteriorated considerably since 2010. Increased by state rhetoric and legal changes that prohibit pride marches, the LGBTI community and their supporters are increasingly fighting discrimination and social hostility. Participants of a forbidden Pride march could be punished with fines of up to 200,000 hoof (around 500 euros), since the government of LGBTI rights regarded as a threat to national identity and children.

international solidarity and the right to assembly

The support for the Budapest Pride does not only come from Hungary. International organizations and members of the European Parliament have promised to participate, which emphasizes the need for international visibility and financial support for Hungarian NGOs. Amnesty Hungary, the Háttér Society, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Hungarian Civil Rights Union lead protests and legal steps against the ban, which underpins the relevance of this event as a test for the right to peaceful assembly in Hungary.

Budapest Pride has developed from a highly guarded meeting to a symbol of love and resistance since its foundation in 1997. This year's event is considered crucial for the future of LGBTI rights in Hungary. Kaup-Hasler emphasizes that culture should not behave neutrally, but has to relate to position, especially in times of social conflicts.

The state of LGBTI rights in Europe

The protection of the LGBTI rights is very important in the European Union. The EU has been committed to the equality of all people, including LGBTI people, for 25 years. This is also anchored in important EU documents, as in the Treaty of Amsterdam and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Despite these efforts, a survey by the European Union for fundamental rights reports that LGBTI people in the EU still suffer from discrimination and violence.

The current situation in Hungary makes it clear that while many progress has been made, the rights of the LGBTI community are still at risk. Hass speeches and discriminatory laws make it crucial that the international community remains vigilant and actively campaigns for the rights of this diverse group.