Hungary Prohibits LGBTQ Symbols on Government Buildings
In a significant escalation surrounding LGBTQ rights in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has signed a decree banning the display of symbols related to sexual minorities on government buildings. This move comes just hours before the start of the 30th Budapest Pride festival, scheduled for June 28, 2025.
Details of the New Decree
The government decree, published late on Thursday, states that any symbols "referring to or promoting different sexual and gender orientations or the political movements representing them" are prohibited from being placed on buildings associated with the government or the central bank.
The Prime Minister's office clarified that this is a symbolic measure, as the display of such symbols was reportedly not common on these buildings. The official statement emphasized the government’s focus on preventing what it terms "LGBTQ propaganda aimed at children" across kindergartens, schools, media, and public spaces.
It is important to note that municipal buildings are excluded from this ban, allowing cities like Budapest to continue their support of LGBTQ events.
Ongoing Budapest Pride Festival and Political Tensions
Despite the new restrictions, organizers of the Budapest Pride parade have confirmed their intent to hold the event this year. Since the election of Budapest’s liberal mayor Gergely Karácsony in 2019, City Hall has consistently raised the rainbow flag to support Pride festivities.
Orbán’s government has adopted numerous legal measures over recent years framed as protecting children, which have been criticized both domestically and internationally for rolling back LGBTQ rights.
EU Legal Challenges
Amplifying the controversy, an advocate general at the European Court of Justice recently recommended declaring Hungary in breach of EU law over legislation passed in 2021. This law prohibits the "display or promotion of homosexuality" to persons under 18 and serves as the basis for current efforts to restrict the Pride march.
Orbán publicly condemned this legal opinion on social media, asserting that the European institutions prioritize what he calls "sexual propaganda" over protecting children’s rights, describing it as "madness."
Summary of Key Points
- New government decree bans LGBTQ symbols on national government and central bank buildings.
- Municipal buildings, like Budapest City Hall, remain excluded and continue to support Pride.
- The 30th Budapest Pride remains scheduled for June 28 despite legal uncertainties.
- European Court of Justice recommends sanctioning Hungary over its anti-LGBTQ legislation.
- Prime Minister Orbán strongly criticizes EU's position, framing it as an assault on children's rights.
Outlook
Hungary’s latest decree reflects the government's continued hardline stance against LGBTQ visibility in public spaces. As the Budapest Pride festival approaches, tensions between local authorities, national government, and European institutions are expected to persist, highlighting ongoing debates over human rights and national sovereignty within the EU.
