Thousands protest in Budapest against Pride parade ban

On April 12, thousands of Hungarians participated in a satirical protest in Budapest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent ban on the annual Pride parade, donning gray clothing to symbolize the suppression of LGBTQ rights. The protest, organized by the Two-tailed Dog Party, utilized humor to critique the government's claims that Pride events could harm children, a justification for the law passed by Orban's nationalist Fidesz party. Protesters carried banners with ironic slogans such as 'Sameness is trendy' and 'Censorship,' highlighting their opposition to the crackdown on diversity. The rally attracted around 10,000 participants who expressed that the government's actions reflect a broader assault on democratic freedoms. Critics argue that the ban and impending constitutional amendments further entrench restrictions on LGBTQ rights in Hungary. The organizers still plan to hold the Pride march as scheduled on June 28, despite the new legal barriers.