Orban Rejects EU Appeal Over Budapest Pride Ban

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Hungarian police to permit the Budapest Pride Parade, which local police have just failed to ban. She stressed the vital need for fundamental freedoms in Europe, such as freedom of expression and equality, in a statement released on social media.

 

2 days Ago By Oskar Malec


“I ask the Hungarian authorities to ensure the possibility of organizing the Budapest Pride Parade and say that no criminal or administrative action may be taken against the organizers or participants of the parade.” “You have the RIGHT to love who you love and BE exactly who you are,” she added.

Organizers Banned on Complaints of Youth Protection Law
Police in Budapest banned the parade in early June, which had been planned for June 28. Officials said they were doing so under new laws that ban the "promotion" of homosexuality to minors, saying it was likely people under 18 would be in attendance at the march.

Despite the ban, organizers have indicated that the parade will go ahead as planned. EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib will follow the event in Budapest from across the street on 28 June.

Orban Responds with Sharp Rejection
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán rejected von der Leyen’s request, saying that it was not a matter for the European Commission to get involved — or tell member states how to enforce their laws. It should be looking at the bigger picture such as the energy crisis and Europe's competitiveness, he said.

“I also urge the Commission to concentrate their efforts on the pressing challenges for the  Poland European Union – where they have a clear mandate and responsibility,” he said.

 

Copyright @ 2024 IBRA Digital