Update – June 5, 2025: In a powerful blow to Hungary’s anti-LGBT+ crackdown, the Advocate General of the EU’s top court declared that the 2021 “child protection” law violates EU law on multiple counts. The law, used to justify Pride bans and silence LGBT+ voices, was condemned for spreading stigma and prejudice under the guise of protecting children. While not binding, the Court often follows the Advocate’s lead. While the court’s final ruling is pending, the European Commission has the power – and the responsibility – to act now. Sign the petition and demand immediate action from the Commission before more damage is done.

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Update – June 3, 2025: Budapest police just banned a second LGBT+ Equality March, this time for June 28 – the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride. Their reasoning? Far-right “evidence” made up of photos from past Pride events. This isn’t about safety – it’s about silencing queer joy and protest. Tell the European Commission: Stop Hungary’s attacks on LGBT+ rights. Add your name now.

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Update – May 30, 2025: Hungary’s top court overturned the ban on a June 1 march, ruling it was baseless. Yet police delayed informing organizers until the very morning of the event – effectively cancelling it. Now, the same groups have applied to march on June 28, only to face another ban. The excuses are running thin. Demand that the Commission step in to defend the right to protest.

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Update – May 26, 2025: Just nine days after police safely escorted an LGBT+ demonstration, they turned around and banned a nearly identical one planned for June 1. Their reasoning? The march resembled previous Pride events. It’s a clear sign: authorities are using vague laws and political pressure to stamp out any public show of LGBT+ solidarity. Enough double standards. Sign the petition and call on the European Commission to intervene now.

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Update – May 14, 2025: Hungary’s crackdown on LGBT+ rights is spiralling. Hungary’s government is fast-tracking a new law that puts LGBT+ organisations directly in the firing line. Under this bill, authorities can blacklist any group receiving support from abroad – even from the EU – by labelling them a ‘threat to sovereignty.’ For groups working to keep LGBT+ people safe this means that crucial funding could vanish overnight. Leaders face forced disclosure of personal information, relentless investigations, and devastating fines. Let’s keep the pressure up to help protect Pride, freedom, and the right to exist without fear.

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Hungary’s government has launched its most aggressive attack yet on LGBTQ+ rights.

In March, Hungary’s Parliament rushed through a new law banning Pride marches and criminalizing peaceful protest. Just one day later, the President signed it into law. The legislation expands the reach of Hungary’s notorious 2021 “anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda” law – already under review by the European Court of Justice.

Now, those who dare to take to the streets face police intimidation, crushing fines, and the looming threat of facial recognition surveillance – a dangerous violation of privacy and dignity that directly contradicts the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which bans such mass surveillance in public spaces.

This crackdown couldn’t come at a more symbolic moment. Budapest Pride is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary on June 28. But unless urgent action is taken by the European Commission by May 27 – the registration deadline – peaceful Pride participants will march in defiance of the ban and could face financial fines of up to 500 EUR. If not registered in time, pro-government far-right groups can register fake protests to block public spaces from the pride.

For the organizers, the consequences are even more harsh. Unless the European Commission takes action, organizers will face criminal prosecution and jail time of up to 1 year.

This law doesn’t protect children. It protects power.

While Hungary faces real challenges – like a child welfare crisis, healthcare shortages, and a crumbling education system – the government has chosen to scapegoat LGBTQ+ people and choke civil society. These actions echo the oppressive tactics of Russia, where dissent is criminalized and LGBTQ+ lives erased. For the first time in EU history, we are witnessing a country criminalizing its citizens' right to peaceful assembly, to be seen and to be heard.

An EU government banning Pride marches is an unconscionable attack on the very values of freedom, equality, and human dignity that the European Union was built to protect.

By signing this petition, you are standing for the right to march, to gather, to speak out. You are telling the EU loud and clear: Pride is not a crime. Peaceful protest is not propaganda. Visibility is not violence.

The European Commission is the guardian of the Treaties of the EU. The Commission needs to demonstrate that it protects the right for peaceful assembly as much as other fundamental rights.

✊ Sign now to stop this assault on LGBTQ+ rights and freedom to protest. Don’t let Orbán bulldoze democracy. Stand with us. Stand with Budapest Pride.