The City Assembly of Budapest has convened against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, marked notably by a demonstration advocating for Pride. Barabás Richárd, the leader of the Párbeszéd faction, took to the floor before the assembly’s agenda was addressed. In his speech, he declared, "I am gay, young, pro-peace, and a faction leader." He emphasised the importance of the annual parade, despite opposition from Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister, who has indicated a desire to prohibit the event.
In his recent annual review, Orbán outlined various tax benefits, including exemptions for mothers of two or more children and VAT refunds for pensioners, alongside a pronounced anti-LGBTQ agenda. He condemned the community in what appeared to be an escalating campaign against LGBTQ+ rights and civil society. Addressing a gathering at the event, Richárd expressed his sentiments of shame associated with the silence and judgement faced within himself, stating, "I send a message to the Prime Minister: you are cynical, harmful, and malicious. But I send a message to you, who are afraid: you are not alone because Budapest is diverse and accepting; it has been and will remain so." He underscored that the parade serves as a space of equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Richárd presented a copy of Kurimay Anita's book, Gay Budapest, to a colleague from Fidesz, symbolising solidarity among opposition voices. Following his remarks, support also came from Krisztina Baranyi, the mayor of the IX district, and Gergely Karácsony, the Budapest mayor, both of whom reinforced that all politicians in the capital should champion Pride. Baranyi asserted her confidence in the parade's continuation, stating that it could only be banned under extreme circumstances, such as Hungary leaving the European Union, a scenario she deemed unlikely, even for Fidesz.
Fidesz representative Anna Szepesfalvy addressed Richárd with empathy regarding his experiences. However, she reaffirmed her party's stance on resisting what they deem "LGBTQ propaganda," arguing for the protection of children.
Tensions reached a peak when the assembly had to pause due to the disruptive entry of Bálint Szabó, a former representative from Szeged, who was escorted into the proceedings. Mayor Karácsony requested Szabó to leave the restricted area reserved for assembly representatives, referring to him as an "attention-seeking madman." In light of the commotion, a break was called at the behest of the Fidesz members, and police were summoned. They arrived but did not intervene directly in the assembly’s proceedings, as Szabó vacated the area independently, allowing the meeting to resume.
Source: Noah Wire Services