In light of the government’s ban on the Budapest Pride march, which is still scheduled for this Saturday, several European countries have issued travel advisories for those intending to attend the event in Hungary’s capital. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration previously prohibited the march, citing reasons of child protection. Despite this, event organizers remain resolute in their plans, anticipating attendance from tens of thousands across Europe.
Countries such as the United Kingdom have cautioned their citizens regarding potential legal repercussions, including fines for participation, as the local legislation regards the march as illegal. The UK government’s travel website warns that attendees might be surveilled using facial recognition technology, stating, “With policing arrangements for an illegal Pride march unclear and counter demonstrations planned, there is a heightened risk to participants’ safety.”
Hungarian officials have indicated that individuals participating in the event risk penalties of up to €500. The Dutch Foreign Ministry has echoed these concerns, warning travelers of the possibility of fines, while Belgium has also cautioned that any involvement in the demonstration could result in financial penalties.
“It remains unclear under what circumstances the Pride March will take place,” the Belgian government’s advisory stated, additionally recommending participants maintain awareness of the evolving situation via local media and embassy communications.
Belgian officials also raised alarms about potential counter-demonstrations, specifically noting that the far-right Our Homeland party has mobilized its supporters to obstruct the Pride march by occupying critical locations in central Budapest. This group has secured police permission to utilize the same routes as those planned for the Pride event, heightening concerns over possible confrontations or violence.
In a similar vein, France issued a notification highlighting the ban on the march in Hungary, adding that participants would be closely monitored by surveillance technology and could face fines of €500. Orbán acknowledged that while police may not actively disperse the crowd, legal repercussions for participants remain in effect, stating, “We are adults, and I think everyone should decide what they want, keep to the rules, or if they don’t, they should face the legal consequences.”
Notably, at least 70 Members of the European Parliament and European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lhabib plan to attend the event. On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Orbán to reconsider and lift the ban on the Pride march.