Hungary’s Pride event will proceed, while Prime Minister Orban warns of potential legal repercussions

The Budapest Pride march is set to take place on Saturday, in defiance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s threats against LGBTQ rights activists. Despite pressure from conservative politicians and the police, organizers expect a record attendance this year. The police have issued a ban on the event, citing a new “child protection” law that restricts gatherings promoting homosexuality. Orban has stated that the police may intervene, but emphasized that Hungary is a civilized country that does not resort to violence. However, attendees risk fines of up to €500, with possible use of facial recognition technology. Organizers face a potential one-year prison sentence. The EU equalities commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, a former Belgian foreign minister, will be in Budapest and is expected to join the march. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for the march, but Orban has asked her to refrain from interfering in law enforcement matters within the EU member countries.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23g02dl1z8o