Ban on Budapest Pride and violation of fundamental freedoms under EU law
19.3.2025
Question for written answer E-001173/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE)
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law banning Pride events. Although the Hungarian Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, an amendment now prohibits gatherings that violate the 2021 law banning the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality and transgender identities to minors. This law is at the heart of one of the infringement procedures that the Commission has launched against Hungary.
Banning Pride events would be a serious violation of freedom of expression and assembly, both protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. Any restriction must be proportionate and justified, which does not appear to be the case here. By broadly targeting LGBTIQ+ events, the law effectively silences an entire community.
In 2021, Parliament declared the EU an ‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’, reaffirming that all LGBTIQ individuals must fully enjoy their rights without fear of discrimination. The Commission has already referred Hungary’s rule-of-law violations to the Court of Justice of the European Union, highlighting persistent breaches of fundamental EU values.
In the light of these facts:
- 1.Can the Commission confirm that banning Budapest Pride goes against the EU’s fundamental values?
- 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take in response to this violation of the Treaties?
Submitted: 19.3.2025