Hungary Bans Gay Pride, Protestors Fight Back With Humor

Hungary Bans Gay Pride, Protestors Fight Back With Humor

Last month, the government of Hungary effectively banned gay pride with a fine of $550 to any organizers of a pride or attendees. The public has responded with a number of protests and marches, with a humorous flair. Leave it to the gays to get a little sassy when equal rights and representation are at stake. The queer community and allies have flooded Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with signs and flags all in grey tones. If they weren't allowed to have gay Pride, they certainly would have grey Pride. LOL!

 

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The Fidesz party, the ruling party of Hungary, is responsible for presenting the ban. The party has been supported by Trump...no kidding. The Pride ban was introduced under the guise of protecting children. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán didn't waste any time in making the bill law. Even further causing controversy, the police force will be using facial recognition technology to identify and prosecute anyone taking part in a Pride march. Over 30,000 Hungarians have taken part in past Pride events.

 

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This weekend, protestors decided to twist the law and came out in large crowds all dressed in monochromatic grey tones to celebrate grey Pride and to show the world how boring it would look if everyone were alike. Budapest Pride fired off an official statement, "The Hungarian government is trying to restrict peaceful protests with a critical voice by targeting a minority. Therefore, as a movement, we will fight for the freedom of all Hungarians to protest!”

Currently, being gay is legal, and there are anti-discrimination laws in place. However, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are still illegal in Hungary. The queer community has been under attack by the Prime Minister in the last few years. Legislation was enacted that banned any LGBTQ talk in schools, taking the cue from Russia and the US. This, along with other concerns over queer rights, sparked legal action and a freezing of assets from the EU. Apparently, 17 items regarding the LGBTQ community must be addressed before assets to Hungary are unfrozen. The Prime Minister's response to state that there wasn't an amount of money that would get him to support the queer community. Check out his charming video:

#Hungary cannot be blackmailed! There is not enough money in the world to force us to accept mass #migration and to put our children in the hands of LGBTQ activists. This is impossible! pic.twitter.com/RXobNStYMy

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) January 19, 2024

We love the idea of Grey Pride, how can a nation ban the use of a color? It is smart, it is sassy, and it proves that the queer community won't give up. We here in the US may need to follow suit.

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