Budapest Mayor Faces Police Inquiry Over Banned LGBTQ Pride March

Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karacsony has been questioned by police over his involvement in a banned LGBTQ pride march, which turned into an anti-government demonstration despite government threats.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony has recently found himself at the center of controversy after being questioned by police as a suspect in relation to the organization of a banned LGBTQ pride march held on June 28. This event unfolded despite explicit warnings of legal repercussions from Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose administration has enacted laws that aim to restrict events promoting LGBTQ rights.

Despite the ban, the parade attracted a record attendance of approximately 200,000 participants, evolving into a significant anti-government protest. Mayor Karacsony, donning a rainbow T-shirt featuring the city’s coat of arms, made a statement outside the National Bureau of Investigation after his questioning, asserting: “Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest.” He emphasized his intention to contest the accusations, labeling them as unfounded, and underscored his commitment to LGBTQ rights.

If convicted, Karacsony could face a prison sentence of up to one year due to his involvement in promoting the event. The pride march had been under threat since March when the government passed legislation aimed at curtailing gatherings that infringe on child protection laws concerning the public promotion of homosexuality. This has been part of a series of measures by Orban's government to undermine LGBTQ rights in Hungary, including the abolition of legal recognition for transgender individuals and restrictions on discussing homosexuality in public forums.

As a show of support, a crowd of about 200 supporters and journalists gathered outside the investigation site, where the mayor remained firm in his belief that the police lacked the authority to effectively ban municipal events. The police had earlier indicated they would not penalize participants for their attendance at the pride march, despite potential fines of up to €500.

The National Bureau of Investigation announced that its inquiry would target an "unknown perpetrator" linked to the organization of the rally, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Budapest's local governance and the national administration's stance on LGBTQ issues. As pressures continue on the LGBTQ community within Hungary, the events surrounding this pride march mark a significant flashpoint in the struggle for rights and freedoms in the country.