Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karacsony has been questioned by authorities following his involvement in organizing a banned LGBTQ pride march. The event took place on June 28, despite a prohibition issued by Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government earlier that year. Organizers reported that around 200,000 people participated in the march, which evolved into an anti-government rally amid legal threats of fines.
Donning a colorful rainbow T-shirt emblazoned with the city's coat of arms, Karacsony arrived at Hungary's National Bureau of Investigation on Friday. He confidently declared to supporters gathered outside, "Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest." If charged, he could face a year in prison for his role in the organizing and promotion of the banned event.
Mayor Karacsony, accompanied by his lawyer, refrained from answering questions from investigators but provided a statement expressing his intent to contest the charges, which he deemed "unfounded." This investigation stems from legislation passed earlier this year restricting gatherings that supposedly violate child protection laws concerning the promotion of homosexuality.
The latest measures imposed by Orban's administration have been seen as a direct attack on the rights of Hungary's LGBTQ+ community, with significant changes made during the past few years, including the abolition of legal recognition for transgender individuals in 2020.
Despite the challenges and legal threats, Karacsony pledged, "Budapest City Hall will organize the Budapest Pride march as a local event on June 28," claiming that police do not possess the authority to outlaw such municipal gatherings. Last month, law enforcement officials announced that no penalties would be levied against attendees who previously faced fines for participating.
In a sign of solidarity and resilience, large crowds have attended Budapest Pride events, sending a clear message of defiance against government restrictions and Orban's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The National Bureau of Investigation has now initiated an inquiry against an "unknown perpetrator" regarding the organization of the controversial rally.
