Budapest Pride March Defies Ban – and Sends a Message to Authoritarianism

Since its founding, Action for Democracy has stood alongside those defending democracy, human rights, and civil society from the rising tide of authoritarian populism. Nowhere has that fight been more urgent—or more visible—than in Hungary this past weekend.

In the face of a government ban, police intimidation, and threats of legal consequences, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of Budapest in a historic show of solidarity and resistance. What was meant to be a silenced Pride became the largest LGBTQ+ march in Hungary’s history—and a powerful rebuke to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s efforts to divide society and dismantle basic freedoms.

Action for Democracy was proud to stand behind this effort. Through our matching funds campaign, thousands of supporters from around the world stepped up—enabling us to deliver over $50,000 in direct support to Hungarian LGBTQ+ organizations and Pride organizers. These funds have been critical in covering legal, logistical, and security costs under extreme pressure. And we’re not stopping there: we are committed to continuing this support in the months ahead as these groups face mounting political and legal threats.

Authoritarian regimes often attack LGBTQ+ communities to distract from their own failures. But we also know that defending the rights of one group is defending the freedom of all. That’s why we will continue to stand with those on the frontlines—in Hungary and beyond—fighting for dignity, equality, and democracy.

We are inspired. We are energized. And we are not backing down.

About Action for Democracy

Action for Democracy is committed to defending democratic values, human rights, and civil society worldwide.

Action for Democracy is a U.S.-based 501 (c) (4) nonpartisan organization that organizes diaspora communities and democracy defenders to support frontline NGOs protecting and rebuilding their democracies by broadening democratic participation, promoting genuine elections, encouraging transparency and accountable governance, and combating hate, fear, and exclusion. A4D is building a global pro-democracy solidarity movement in response to an increasingly concerted global effort by authoritarian actors to erode democracy.