Thousands Join Banned Pride March in Hungary's Pecs City
Pecs, Hungary - Thousands of people defied a police ban on Saturday to participate in the first Pride march held outside Budapest since a law was passed allowing such events to be banned. The rally drew between 7,000 and 8,000 demonstrators, according to the French AFP news agency.
The protesters waved rainbow flags and EU flags, holding signs condemning Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government for restricting LGBTQ rights in recent years. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) joined the rally, including Nicolae Stefanuta from Romania and Tilly Metz from Luxembourg, who expressed solidarity with the marchers.
"I am here today because unfortunately, this demonstration is no longer just about the LGBTQ community," said MEP Tilly Metz in an interview. "It's also about the erosion of democratic values and the rule of law in Hungary."
The Pride march was banned by police citing concerns for public safety, but organizers argued that the ban was a clear attempt to suppress free speech and assembly.
In March, Orban's ruling Fidesz party passed a law allowing Pride marches to be banned, claiming it was necessary to "protect children." The move has been widely criticized by human rights groups and the European Union, which has expressed concerns over Hungary's treatment of its LGBTQ community.
The Pecs Pride march marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Hungary. Despite the ban, thousands of people turned out to show their support for the community, underscoring the resilience of those fighting for equality.
As the rally came to an end, protesters chanted slogans and waved flags, demanding greater recognition and protection for the LGBTQ community. The event served as a powerful reminder that despite attempts to suppress them, the voices of marginalized communities will continue to be heard.
Background:
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been in power since 2010 and has implemented policies restricting the rights of the LGBTQ community. In recent years, his government has passed laws allowing Pride marches to be banned, sparking widespread criticism from human rights groups and the European Union.
Additional Perspectives:
"The ban on Pride marches is a clear attempt to suppress free speech and assembly," said Zoltan Kovacs, a spokesperson for the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union. "We will continue to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community."
"We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ friends and allies in this moment of struggle," said MEP Nicolae Stefanuta. "Together, we will ensure that Hungary's democratic values are upheld."
Current Status:
The Pecs Pride march marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Hungary. As the country continues to grapple with the implications of its restrictive laws, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing demands for greater recognition and protection of the community.
Next Developments:
The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union has announced plans to challenge the ban on Pride marches in court.
The European Union has expressed concerns over Hungary's treatment of its LGBTQ community and is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely.
*Reporting by Dw.*
