Mayo MEP to march in banned Budapest Pride protest this weekend

MEP Maria Walsh will march in Budapest Pride next Saturday (June 28) which has been banned under the Hungarian government’s homophobic laws.

MEP Walsh is a member of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI+ Intergroup and will join politicians from across Europe in protesting Victor Orbán’s laws, which have classified Budapest Pride 2025 as a child safety concern.

MEP Maria Walsh said: “I am proud to be marching in Budapest Pride this weekend. In a year when Orbán has classified public displays of love within my own community as a child protection issue, we must all fight back.

"Hungary’s decision to ban Pride marches is a frightening step backwards for members of the LGBTQI+ community across Europe. The EU cannot now bend the knee to homophobic and power-hungry oppressors.

"I am angry and I have no intention of hiding this on Saturday. I’m angry on behalf of my Hungarian brothers and sisters, I’m angry at the erosion of human rights in the EU, and I am angry that we are not doing enough to stop Orbán and his pack of tyrants.

"Pride began as a protest, and it will return to its roots this weekend in the Hungarian capital.

"However, there are real risks of attending the event, and I would urge any Irish person intending on travelling to be on high alert. Those marching face the possibility of arrest, a fine of up to €500 and imprisonment of up to one year under Hungarian law.

"I hope to have the full support of the European institutions and leaders behind me on Saturday - no matter what happens.

"I look forward to sharing my experience with my colleagues across the Parliament and Commission once I return to Brussels, in an effort to finally see meaningful action to put an end to Orbán and his cruel ways”.