• Hundreds of thousands marched in Budapest Pride, openly defying a government ban.
• The event marked the 30th anniversary of Pride in Hungary and aimed for record attendance.
• Critics argue the government's ban reflects a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and democratic freedoms.
• EU officials and members of parliament joined in solidarity with the protesters, challenging Prime Minister Orbán’s rigid policies.
• Participating marchers emphasized solidarity and resistance against state oppression.

On June 28, an estimated 100,000 people marched in Budapest for the Pride parade, defying a government ban that was imposed by Prime Minister HuffPost. This year marks the 30th edition of the Pride event, which is being seen as the largest gathering for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary's history. Despite potential police intervention and heavy fines for attendees under the new laws, participants took to the streets in celebration of their identity.

The Hungarian government had criticized the Pride event and enacted laws restricting public gatherings as part of a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, citing "child protection" as the rationale. Prime Minister Reuters mentioned that legal consequences await those who attended, emphasizing the government's view that such gatherings could negatively impact children's moral and spiritual development.

As the marchers made their way through Budapest's city center, hugging the banks of the Danube River and crossing over Erzsébet Bridge, they were met with jubilation and hundreds of rainbow flags waving high, in stark contrast to the legal and societal pressures they face. Some reports suggest a turnout close to 200,000 people, with crowds expressing solidarity and a desire for change Channel News Asia and LA Times.

Counter-demonstrations were organized by far-right groups, who suggested that the Pride march was an affront to traditional values. However, the show of support for LGBTQ+ rights transcended the protests, with more than 70 members of the European Parliament joining the march to demonstrate their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

These events signal growing unrest against Orbán's policies, which have seen increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary. By framing the march as not only a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity but also a stand against state repression, organizers highlighted the importance of rights and freedoms for all citizens BBC and CBS News.