Budapest Mayor Raises Concerns Over Pride Parade Location

Budapest Mayor Karácsony Gergely has voiced concerns about the proposed location of the Budapest Pride parade, suggesting City Park is unsuitable due to potential safety issues for children. In a video message addressed to Justice Minister Tuzson Bence, Karácsony stated, "I want to inform the Minister of Justice that holding the Pride parade in City Park would be inappropriate because of the potential interaction between children and the parade participants." He further emphasized that "the Pride participants are people, not horses." The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the event's location and security arrangements. The City Park, a popular family destination, has been proposed as a possible venue, but concerns have been raised about potential clashes between families and Pride participants. Karácsony's video message highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the safety and well-being of children and protecting the rights of Pride participants to express themselves freely. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary and the challenges of balancing competing interests in public spaces.