Hungary's annual Budapest Pride event is suggested to be held in a "closed venue" this year instead of its traditional route along a central Budapest avenue for child protection reasons, as stated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Chief of Staff. It remains unclear if the event will be moved indoors or face access restrictions.
This shift is seen as part of Orban's tightening regulations on LGBTQ+ community activities, in preparation for the 2026 elections where his party, Fidesz, faces a new opposition challenge.
Amid claims by community members that Budapest Pride is safe for families and children, Orban discouraged the event recently without elaborating.
Gergely Gulyas, Orban's chief of staff, emphasized the importance of child protection in suggesting the event be held in a closed space. The government planned to address this issue in a meeting and propose legislation.
Traditionally, the Pride march has taken place on Andrassy Avenue, but Orban's administration, known for its Christian-conservative stance, imposed a controversial law in 2021, banning LGBTQ+ content for minors despite criticism from rights groups and the EU for discrimination.
The ban faced backlash from LGBTQ+ Hungarians, leading the EU to take action against Hungary. Gay marriage remains unrecognized in Hungary, with Orban's government redefining marriage in the constitution as between one man and one woman, while also limiting LGBTQ+ rights.