Members of the European Parliament, including Belgians, intend to travel to Budapest at the end of June to participate in the LGBTQ+ community’s pride march, which the Hungarian parliament has banned.
Hungary’s Parliament approved, in March, a law banning gatherings that could promote “homosexuality and gender change” to minors, with fines of up to €500 for violators, The law targets both organisers and participants.
Pride marches are not explicitly mentioned in the law, but parliamentary debates indicated that they fall under its scope.
Delegation to visit Hungary from 14 to 16 April
Tineke Strik from the Dutch Green faction in the European Parliament warned that this threatens individual freedoms such as the rights to association and free speech in Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
She fears the pride march could silence all critical voices in Hungary.
A delegation from the European Parliament will visit the country from 14 to 16 April, with Belgian MEP Sophie Wilmès (MR) participating.
Despite the ban, several MEPs have announced their intention to join the march in Budapest on 28 June.
Luxembourg socialist Marc Angel, co-chair of an informal group of 150 MPs defending LGBTQ+ rights, expressed his enthusiasm for taking part in the demonstration in Budapest.
Multi-party group to attend gay pride event
Belgian politicians Elio Di Rupo (PS), Kathleen Van Brempt (Vooruit), Saskia Bricmont (Ecolo), Sara Matthieu (Groen), and Hilde Vautmans (Open VLD) have also confirmed their participation.
During a debate on the issue in the European Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, a clear division emerged between the far-right bloc and other factions, with several MPs urging the European Commission to take stronger action against Hungary.
An Article 7 procedure is already underway against the country, but suspending a Member State’s voting rights in the Council is challenging, due to the need for consensus among the other Member States.
Support for Hungary's stance from the far-right, conservatives
The far-right Patriots for Europe (PvE), founded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, supported the Hungarian government and called the debate “a waste of time.” The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) agreed with this view.
European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath criticised the “increasing obstacles for Hungarian civil society and media freedom.”
He said the Commission was closely monitoring the situation and would consider it in the next report on the rule of law and human rights in Hungary.
The Commission will not hesitate to take further measures and initiate infringement procedures if necessary, the Irish commissioner said.
The state of rule of law in Hungary is on the agenda of the European Council General Affairs meeting on 27 May.
