A new law threatens Pride and the right to protest.

Every summer, thousands gather in Budapest for Pride — a joyful, peaceful celebration of LGBTI rights and visibility. For 30 years, this event has brought people together to show solidarity, build community, and demand equality.

But this year, Pride faces its biggest threat yet. A new law rushed through Hungary’s Parliament could stop the 2025 Budapest Pride from happening at all. This law doesn’t just attack the right to celebrate Pride — it puts the right to protest at risk for everyone.

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A law built on fear and falsehoods

On March 18, 2025, Hungary passed Act III — a sweeping law that uses the country’s anti-LGBTI “Propaganda Law” to ban public gatherings that promote LGBTI rights. Authorities can now fine participants, criminally charge organizers, and even use facial recognition surveillance to track people involved in banned events.

The government claims this law protects children — a harmful and false narrative used to silence and stigmatize LGBTI communities. In reality, this law is designed to create fear and erase LGBTI people from public life.

 

Pride march in Budapest, Hungary 2023

Privacy under attack

The new law allows police to use facial recognition technology for minor offences, including attending a Pride event. This means authorities can scan and identify people just for showing up — even before any gathering has taken place.

This expansion of surveillance powers is deeply invasive. It threatens the privacy of every citizen in Hungary and spreads fear among those who simply want to speak up or show support for human rights.

This must be stopped!

People in Hungary have the right to protest, to celebrate, and to live without fear. These are basic freedoms, protected under international law — and Hungary has promised to uphold them.

You can write a letter in your own words urging the Chief of Police in Hungary to : 

• Reject this unjust law

• Uphold Hungary's human rights commitments

• Ensure that the June 28 Budapest Pride march can proceed peacefully and without discrimination, harassment, fear, or violence. 

Write to:

Dr. Terdik Tamás
Chief of Police
Budapest Police Headquarters,
Postal address: 1557 Budapest, Pf.: 1
E-mail: [email protected] 
Salutation: Dear Chief of Police,
And copy:
Her Excellency Maria Eva Vass-Salazar
Ambassador
Embassy of Hungary
299 Waverley Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 0V9
Tel: (613) 230-2717; (613) 230-8215 Fax: (613) 230-7560
Email: [email protected]

A Call for Action

The 30th Budapest Pride must go ahead safely and without interference. Now is the time to raise our voices and call for justice.

For more, visit the Urgent Action page.