The LGBTQ+ community and allies are to rally in protest outside the Hungarian Embassy in London on Saturday, 21 June after Viktor Orbán’s populist government banned Budapest Pride. All welcome; placards, Pride flags and voices encouraged!
The LGBTQ+ community and allies are to rally in protest outside the Hungarian Embassy in London on Saturday, 21 June after Viktor Orbán’s populist government banned Budapest Pride. All welcome; placards, Pride flags and voices encouraged!
Organised by Peter Tatchell Foundation, the protest will be a show of support and solidarity for Hungary’s beleaguered LGBTQ+ community – and will take place seven days before Budapest Pride, where Hungarian LGBTs will march in defiance of the ban.
A constitutional amendment allows the Hungarian government to label LGBTQ+ gatherings a ‘threat to children’. According to organisers, “this persecution, disguised as protection, is another step in Hungary’s curtailment of freedom of expression and the right to protest.”
As well as banning Budapest Pride, the government is planning facial recognition surveillance to identify Pride participants, with the intention of arresting and fining them 200,000 Hungarian forints (£420).
The London protest takes place exactly seven days before Budapest Pride and is intended as a powerful act of international solidarity. As LGBTs in Hungary prepare to march under the threat of repression, Solidarity Pride sends a clear message: “they are not alone. London stands with them, shoulder to shoulder, in the struggle for LGBTQ+ liberation”.
The rally will feature speeches from UK and Hungarian activists, including veteran LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell; Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders, CEO of Schools OUT and co-founder of UK LGBT+ History Month; and Budapest-based Hungarian activist, Kati Holland, who is flying to London to take part.
Kati Holland said: “The Hungarian government is using the law as a weapon against LGBT+ people. We are fighting for our dignity, freedom and right to exist. Solidarity from the UK means the world to us.”
Peter Tatchell added: “This protest is a message to the Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán that the ban on Budapest Pride violates the EU’s charter of fundamental rights. We stand in solidarity with Hungarian LGBT+ people and demand an end to state repression.”
Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders said: “Hungary has taken a leaf out of the Section 28 playbook by imposing laws that mean young people do not have an opportunity to learn about LGBT+ communities and our history. Banning Pride is just one further step in that direction.”
Solidarity Pride is supported by a growing number of partner organisations including Critical Theatre, The Outside Project, African Equality Foundation, Rainbow Tree, UK LGBT+ History Month and Out and Proud African LGBTI.
Solidarity Pride protest, Hungarian Embassy, 35 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8BY on Saturday, 21 June at 1pm. Everyone welcome to join.
