Pécs Pride, the only Pride outside the capital, was banned by the police on 5 September, a decision later upheld by Hungary’s Supreme Court (Kúria), according to human rights organisation Hidden Colours. Because the march is organised by a private individual rather than the municipality, the organiser faces up to one year in prison. Participants are also at risk of heavy fines.

The ban stems from a legislative amendment in April this year, which allows authorities to prohibit any public gathering that “depicts or promotes homosexuality or gender diversity.” Critics argue that this violates European law and seriously undermines fundamental rights.

Nevertheless, Rémy Bonny, director of Forbidden Colours, has announced that he will attend the banned march. He describes it as an act of solidarity and political pressure: “We cannot let Orbán decide where democracy applies and where it does not. If we allow this regime to criminalise the right to assemble, we are putting the future of European democracy at risk.”

Human rights organisations are calling on the European Commission and member states to intervene and support the Hungarian LGBTQ+ community. Notably, five far-right counter-protests have been approved for the same day, further heightening tensions.