Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karacsony has found himself under police scrutiny as a suspect for allegedly aiding in the organization of a banned LGBTQ pride march that occurred on June 28. The event unfolded amidst threats of legal consequences from Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose government imposed a law earlier this year prohibiting such gatherings.
Despite these warnings, the march saw unprecedented participation, with organizers reporting a record turnout of approximately 200,000 individuals, who transformed the initially celebratory event into a demonstration against the government’s policies.
Donned in a rainbow T-shirt showcasing Budapest's coat of arms, Karacsony appeared at Hungary's National Bureau of Investigation on Friday. Addressing a crowd of around 200 supporters and journalists outside the police headquarters, he firmly stated, "Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest."
The mayor, who faced questioning for over an hour, expressed his intention to contest what he deems an unfounded accusation, warning the public that if something cannot be banned, it also cannot be punished. Accompanied by his lawyer, Karacsony opted not to respond to investigators, instead delivering a personal statement.
The apprehension surrounding the annual pride march intensified this year after the government enacted a new law in March that disrupts gatherings that allegedly infringe upon child protection laws concerning the public depiction of homosexuality. This has been part of Orban's ongoing campaign against LGBTQ+ rights in the country, which has seen significant legal setbacks, including the removal of legal recognition for transgender individuals in 2020 and a law from 2021 that prohibits the representation of homosexuality to minors.
While the ban loomed, Karacsony remained resolute in his commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, declaring, “Budapest city hall will organize the Budapest Pride march as a local event on June 28,” asserting that police had no legitimate grounds to prohibit a civic event.
In a twist, police announced last month that they would not impose penalties on individuals who participated in the pride parade, despite the threat of fines up to €500 (£427; $586) for attendees. However, the National Bureau of Investigation has initiated a case regarding an "unknown perpetrator" linked to the organization of the rally, potentially placing Karacsony in legal jeopardy.
As the situation unfolds, Budapest Pride stands as a symbol of resistance against governmental opposition, sending a powerful message to the Orban administration.
