Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, has cleared the way for Budapest Pride to return after last year’s controversial ban under the government of former leader Viktor Orbán.
The 31st Budapest Pride March is scheduled to take place on 27 June, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of assembly. Hungarian police confirmed there were no legal grounds to prohibit the event, reversing the position taken in 2025 when authorities attempted to block the march.
The decision follows Magyar’s election victory in April, which ended Orbán’s 16-year rule. Since taking office, the new prime minister has pledged to strengthen democratic institutions, improve relations with the European Union and restore civil liberties that critics say were weakened under the previous government.
Budapest Pride became a symbol of resistance last year after hundreds of thousands of people joined the parade despite government efforts to stop it. Organisers described the march as one of the largest demonstrations for human rights and democratic freedoms in Hungary in recent years.
Orbán’s administration introduced legislation in 2025 that effectively banned Pride events, arguing the measures were designed to protect children. The laws drew criticism from human rights groups, European institutions and LGBTQ+ advocates, who said they discriminated against sexual and gender minorities.
While Magyar has not announced a broad overhaul of Hungary’s LGBTQ+ policies, the approval of this year’s Pride march is being viewed as an early sign of a more open political climate. Organisers say the event will celebrate equality, visibility and freedom while continuing to push for legal protections for LGBTQ+ people.
The Budapest Pride March will take place on 27 June, with thousands of participants expected to attend from Hungary and across Europe. (Budapest Pride)
Rob is the founder of GTG. Launching the GTG-Sydney brand in 1995, it has gone from a VHS tourist guide for Sydney to a global phenomenon, partnering with Pride events and special events and charities all over the world, raising millions of dollars for the LGBTQIA+ communities and showcasing our big gay world to anyone who wants to join in the fun.
Rob is a trained marketer and journalist. An Emmy award winner, a NIDA-trained TV Presenter who has been on digital channels, cable and terrestrial broadcast television globally as a presenter, producer and creative.
He is currently editor-in-chief and producer of GTG and the co-host of The Unfashionably Late Podcast.