Today, 28 June 2025, in Budapest ahead of the Pride to defend LGBTIQ+ rights, democracy and the rule of Law, the S&D Bureau adopted the following statement. This is a clear commitment to show our solidarity with all people in Hungary and across Europe.
S&D Bureau statement in support of LGBTIQ+ rights in Hungary
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to respect for human dignity, freedom, equality and human rights, as laid down in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and embedded in international human rights treaties. These constitute the foundation of the rights enjoyed by those living in the EU. Any breach of those values does not only concern the Member State where the breach occurred, but has an impact on all Member States, on mutual trust between them and on the very nature of the EU and its citizens’ fundamental rights under EU law.
We are gravely concerned about a growing backlash against fundamental rights, across Europe and around the world. Fear, violence and discrimination continue to be a reality faced by many LGBTIQ+ people, including in the EU. We cannot stay silent.
We agree with the recent opinion of the Attorney General of the European Court of Justice stating that Orbán’s so-called Child Act is a clear violation of fundamental rights.
The Hungarian Government’s ban on the Budapest Pride march is not just a cowardly attack on a community of Hungarian citizens, it is a clear display of authoritarianism, using the powers of government to undermine democracy and incite fear, censorship and hatred. Spying on those who defend human rights, using facial recognition, issuing fines for exercising freedom of assembly, and turning those who disagree with the government into enemies is repression and a clear breach of EU law.
We call on the European Commission and the Member States to use all possible political and legal instruments to reinforce democracy and rule of law in Hungary and across the EU. In particular, we reiterate the request from the European Parliament to initiate proceedings under Article 7(2) TEU.
LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights. Pride should never be hidden – it should be celebrated. Together, we celebrate it in Budapest with hope and conviction. In Europe, nobody should have to hide who they love to feel safe.
To the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary we send a message: you are not alone. We see you. We hear you. And we will march with you, side by side, proud and loud.
