Fact Check: "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at historic Pride event!"
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, approximately 100,000 individuals participated in the Budapest Pride event, despite a government ban and police warnings. This event was described as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride gathering in Hungary's history and was organized in direct opposition to a law passed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government earlier that year, which prohibited events that "depict or promote" homosexuality to minors under 18 (source-1). The law was seen as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary, which has included restrictions on same-sex adoption and marriage (source-2).
The march began at Budapest City Hall and proceeded through the city center, crossing the Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River. Participants included not only members of the LGBTQ+ community but also many allies who expressed their dissent against the government's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and broader democratic freedoms (source-3). The government had previously warned that participation in the Pride event could lead to fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately $586) and potential imprisonment for organizers (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at historic Pride event" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that around 100,000 people participated in the march, framing it as a significant act of defiance against the government's restrictions (source-1). Similarly, Reuters corroborated this figure, emphasizing that the event was a protest against the government's ban, which had been enacted just months prior (source-2).
The New York Times highlighted how the government's attempts to suppress the event backfired, resulting in a larger turnout than in previous years, which typically saw only a few thousand attendees (source-3). This suggests that the government's actions may have inadvertently galvanized public support for the Pride event, transforming it into a broader political statement against Orbán's administration.
In terms of source reliability, the Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times are all established news organizations known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. Their reports are consistent and provide detailed accounts of the event, including the context of the government's legal framework and the public's response.
Conclusion
The claim that "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at historic Pride event" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that a significant number of participants took part in the Pride march in Budapest, openly challenging the government's ban and highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary.
