200,000 defy ban at Budapest Pride as global solidarity grows

Attendees at Budapest Pride 2025 (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

An estimated 200,000 people joined the Budapest Pride march last Saturday, defying a government ban enacted under Hungary’s new “child protection” law, which restricts LGBTQ+ displays.

Police warned attendees they could face fines of up to 500 euros and announced the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. Organisers of the event risk up to one year in prison under the new legislation.

Marchers gathered in the capital city, carrying placards promoting unity and resistance, one protester being Swedish climate and political activist Greta Thunberg.

“You cannot ban love” – Greta Thunberg

In a video posted to her Instagram, Thunberg said: “Pride is both a protest but also a celebration of love and who we are. You cannot ban love.”

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