No Ban, Orbán!
Demonstration in front of the Hungarian Embassy sends a clear message of solidarity
On a cold March evening, Monday, March 24, the sidewalk in front of the Hungarian Embassy in Copenhagen was filled with determination and solidarity. Demonstrators gathered to send a clear message: We do not accept discrimination and hate!
The Hungarian parliament has just passed a law banning Pride throughout the country and criminalizing LGBTQIA+ visibility— a direct attack on human rights. Viktor Orbán is following Putin’s oppressive policies, attempting to restrict the freedoms of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Hungary.
A sidewalk filled with protest, hope, and community
With rainbow flags, banners displaying messages like “NO BAN, ORBÁN!”, and the Hungarian flag waving in the wind, the demonstrators sent a powerful message to the Hungarian government: Budapest Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary are not alone.
The protesters expressed not only outrage over Orbán’s blatant attack on LGBTQIA+ rights but also concern over the broader rollback of fundamental freedoms in Europe. This is a threat to democracy, equality, respect, and human rights—the very values that form the foundation of the EU.
Clear messages to the Hungarian Government
– Pride was, is, and will always be a protest!” With these words, Benjamin Hansen, chairperson of Copenhagen Pride, opened the demonstration. His speech set the tone for the evening—an evening about more than just Budapest Pride. It was about the fight for freedom and the right to exist without fear.
What is happening in Hungary is, unfortunately, not an isolated case. LGBTQIA+ activists in countries like Georgia and Moldova face increasing opposition, and in Romania, there are attempts to ban gender studies in educational institutions.
Benjamin Hansen made it clear at the demonstration:
– The ban on Pride in Hungary is a direct insult to “every decent human being.” Not just to LGBTQIA+ people but to everyone who believes in fundamental freedoms and human rights.
A fight for all of us
Among the political voices at the demonstration were Gunvor Wibroe, Equality and LGBTQIA+ spokesperson for the Social Democrats, and Halime Oguz, Equality spokesperson for the Green Left (SF in Danish). Both were clear in their message:
– When we defend Budapest Pride, we must remember that this is not just about a single Pride ban. It is about establishing that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights—today, tomorrow, and always, said Gunvor Wibroe (S).
– We know what this is about. Systematic oppression. We must take off the velvet gloves. This is not just a fight for the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary. This is a fight for all of us, said Halime Oguz (Green Left/SF).
Solidarity knows no borders
The demonstration concluded with battle cries from the crowd, making the event at Charlottenlund difficult to ignore.
The message was clear: The LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary is not alone. Solidarity does not stop at borders, and the fight for freedom continues!
The final speakers highlighted how Hungary’s discriminatory legislation affects its citizens. Blanka Lugosi, a volunteer at Copenhagen Pride and originally from Budapest, expressed her deep frustration:
– It hurts that I have had to leave my family, my friends, and everything I once was. Hungary makes it clear that it is only a democracy by word. For years, Hungary has been moving towards a dictatorship that resembles Russia’s, said an emotional Blanka Lugosi.
Finally, a message from Budapest Pride organizer Viki Radványi closed the demonstration. The message was clear.
– This is not just an LGBTQIA+ law. It is a law that allows the police to ban any form of protest critical of the government, said Budapest Pride, as the message was read aloud by Hungarian activist Zsófi, who attended the demonstration.
We at Copenhagen Pride would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the demonstration. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Budapest Pride. #StandWithBudapestPride
