Hungarian PM: No more LGBT parades in Budapest Following US envoy’s departure

There will no longer be LGBT parades in Budapest following the departure of the American ambassador who had led them, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated.

The diplomat in question, David Pressman, an openly gay man, left Hungary in January. The United States has yet to appoint a new ambassador to replace him.

“The American ambassador who previously walked at the head of the Pride parade in Budapest has already left, so the event is no longer under international protection and it will not take place,” Orban said in an interview with Kossuth radio, per Caliber.Az.

This development aligns with Orban’s longstanding position on issues related to illegal migration and what his government terms “LGBT propaganda” among children. The Hungarian prime minister has consistently refused to yield to pressure from the European Commission regarding such matters.

On June 15, 2021, Hungary passed a law that bans sharing with minors any content that depicts or “promotes” homosexuality or gender reassignment. The country also does not recognize same-sex marriage, with Orban’s government redefining marriage in the constitution as a union between a man and a woman. Adoption rights have also been restricted for same-sex couples.

Human rights activists have strongly criticized the law, arguing that it discriminates against the LGBT community. However, Orban has repeatedly stated that Hungary will not repeal the legislation, maintaining that it is necessary to protect children from exposure to such content.

The decision to halt LGBT parades in Budapest comes amid the absence of international protection following Pressman’s departure. During his tenure, Pressman was vocal in his criticism of the Hungarian government, accusing it of fostering “anti-American relations” and maintaining close ties with Russia — positions that displeased Hungarian authorities.

With the US yet to appoint a new ambassador, the absence of a prominent international figure advocating for LGBT rights in Hungary appears to have influenced the decision to discontinue Pride events in Budapest.

By Tamilla Hasanova