Fact Check: "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at record Pride event."
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, approximately 100,000 people participated in the Budapest Pride event, defying a government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration. This event was described as the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in Hungary's history, marking the 30th annual Pride march in the capital. The Hungarian government had enacted a law in March that prohibited events promoting homosexuality to minors, which was seen as a direct attack on the Pride march (NPR, The New York Times).
Despite the ban, the event proceeded with significant public support, as many participants viewed it as a protest against the government's increasing authoritarianism and crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights (The Guardian, DW). The march started at Budapest City Hall and moved through the city center, crossing the Erzsébet Bridge, while police attempted to divert the crowd from a small group of counterprotesters (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at record Pride event" is supported by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press reported that around 100,000 people participated, framing the event as a significant act of defiance against the government (NPR). Similarly, The New York Times noted that the government ban backfired, leading to a larger turnout than in previous years, which typically saw only a few thousand attendees (The New York Times).
The event's size and the context of the ban highlight a growing resistance to Orbán's policies, which have increasingly targeted LGBTQ+ rights. The law that led to the ban was criticized as a violation of fundamental rights, and many participants expressed their outrage at the government's rationale for the ban (The Guardian).
In terms of source reliability, both NPR and The New York Times are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Guardian and DW also provide credible coverage of international events, particularly in Europe. All sources corroborate the attendance figure and the context of the event, lending credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "100,000 marchers defy Hungary's government ban at record Pride event" is substantiated by multiple credible sources reporting on the event's attendance and the circumstances surrounding it. The significant turnout not only reflects public support for LGBTQ+ rights but also serves as a protest against the government's oppressive measures.
Sources
- Around 100000 march in Budapest Pride event in defiance ... NPR
- Budapest Pride Parade Was Bigger Than Ever, Despite ... The New York Times
- Tens of thousands defy Hungary's ban on Pride in protest ... The Guardian
- Budapest Pride: Thousands of marchers defy police ban DW
