Call for EU sanctions against Hungary over EU Charter violations
London, UK – 21 June 2025
Hundreds of LGBT+ people and allies rallied today for Solidarity Pride outside the Hungarian embassy in London, to protest against the ban on Budapest Pride.
They held placards: “End ban on Budapest Pride! LGBT+ rights now!” “EU must sanction Hungary! Pride ban is anti-EU.” ”Solidarity with Hungarian LGBTs & Budapest Pride.”
They chanted: “2-4-6-8! Hungary must not discriminate. 3-5-7-9! Pride is a right & mighty fine!”
The London protest took place one week before the now banned Budapest Pride, which is still scheduled for 28 June, despite the ban.
Protest organiser Peter Tatchell said:
“Our aim was to stand in solidarity with Hungarian LGBTs ahead of their banned Pride march on 28 June. We also wanted to show the Hungarian government that the world is watching and to press the EU to sanction Hungary over its criminalisation of Pride and wider repression of LGBT+ people. It’s policies clearly violate the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, which include freedom of expression and assembly and the right to protest. If Hungary is not sanctioned, it will embolden other EU member states to also repress their LGBT+ communities.”
The protest was organised in collaboration with the Hungarian LGBT+ groups lmbtszovetseg and Budapest Pride.
“A constitutional amendment allows the Hungarian government to label LGBT+ gatherings a threat to children. This is persecution disguised as protection – another step in Hungary’s erosion of human rights and civil liberties. The constitution is being subverted as an instrument of propaganda and repression,” added Mr Tatchell.
As well as banning Budapest Pride, the government is planning facial recognition surveillance to identify Pride participants, with the intention of arresting and fining them up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (£420).
Budapest Pride is no longer just a march. It is a frontline in the battle for LGBT+ human rights.
Hungary’s ban on Pride is unprecedented in Europe.
The London protest takes place exactly seven days before Budapest Pride and is intended as a powerful act of international solidarity. As LGBTs in Hungary prepare to march under the threat of repression, Solidarity Pride sends a clear message: they are not alone. London stands with them, shoulder to shoulder, in the struggle for LGBT+ liberation.
Organised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation, the rally outside the Hungarian embassy featured speeches from Hungarian LGBT+ activists Kati Holland and Imres Zsoldos from the group lmbtszovetseg. Other speakers included veteran LGBT+ campaigner Peter Tatchell, Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders, co-founder of UK LGBT+ History Month and Sarah Campbell of Stonewall.
Kati Holland said:
“The Hungarian government is using the law as a weapon against LGBT+ people. We are fighting for our dignity, freedom and right to exist. Solidarity from the UK means the world to us.”
Peter Tatchell added:
“We stand in solidarity with Hungarian LGBT+ people and demand an end to state repression.”
Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders said:
“Hungary has taken a leaf out of the Section 28 playbook by imposing laws that mean young people do not have an opportunity to learn about LGBT+ communities and our history. Banning Pride is just one further step in that direction.”