MEPs stand up to attacks on democracy ahead of Budapest Pride
Hungary
Today, MEPs debated the Pride ban in Budapest. The Greens/EFA Group call on the Council and the Commission to not stand idly by while Hungary descends further into authoritarianism.
Kim van Sparrentak MEP, Co-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Integroup, comments:
“If banning a pride within the European Union is accepted by the European Commission, who knows what will be next. We need the Commission to take action and not allow Orban to clamp down further on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We will stand with our friends in Budapest and march with pride for Hungarian citizens and fundamental rights.”
Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Home Affairs and Justice, comments:
"Viktor Orban and his cronies are stealing EU funds from Hungarian families and children. To distract from their stealing, they discriminate against fellow Hungarians for who they love and ban demonstrations. The Pride ban is another instance of the authoritarian Orban government attacking the queer community, minorities and marginalised groups for the sake of political posturing.
“The Commission and Council cannot continue to stand watch while an autocracy is created under their noses, where people’s rights are assaulted and civil society is silenced. European capitals cannot ignore the anti-democratic drive of the Orban regime any longer. It’s time for action, to protect democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. We will defend the right to protest - see you in Budapest next weekend."
More:
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice recently gave the opinion that Hungary’s 2021 anti-LGBTI law is incompatible with European values.
20 Greens/EFA MEPs will be joining the Pride in Budapest on the 28th of June.
