Charges Dropped Against Budapest Mayor for 2025 Pride March

In a surprising move, Hungarian prosecutors announced that they are dropping the charges against Mayor Gergely Karacsony for his role in organising a Pride march that took place in June 2025, despite a government‑issued ban on such events.

The march, which attracted a record 200,000 participants in 2025, had been declared illegal by then‑Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government after Hungary passed a controversial law forbidding public displays of LGBTQ identity or the so‑called “promotion” of homosexuality to minors. The law was widely criticized for undermining fundamental freedoms and the rights of LGBTQ citizens.

Karacsony, however, has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights and has consistently argued that “neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest.” He faced charges in January 2025 for organising the event, a case that was closed yesterday following an EU Court of Justice decision that Hungary’s anti‑LGBTQ regulations violate European Union rules on equality and minority rights.

The European Court ruled that the ban on “promotion of homosexuality” and the restrictions on gender‑affirming disclosures for under‑18s constituted a breach of the EU’s fundamental principles of equality, freedom of expression and non‑discrimination. The ruling was formally adopted nine days after Hungarians voted to end Viktor Orbán’s 16‑year regime, paving the way for a new government headed by Péter Magyar.

Hungarian prosecutors’ statement read: “Considering the ruling by the European Court, the charges against the Budapest mayor for violating the law on freedom of assembly have been dropped.” The decision has been greeted with optimism by LGBTQ advocacy groups but remains a point of contention for those who argue that the ban could still be enforced against other organizations.

As Hungary moves into a new political era under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, the case serves as a milestone indicating a shift toward greater tolerance and alignment with EU values. It also demonstrates the tangible influence that European legal bodies can have on national legislation and the broader push for LGBTQ equality across the continent.

Key Takeaways:

• EU Court ruling invalidated Hungary’s anti‑LGBTQ laws.


• Prosecutors dropped charges against Mayor Karacsony following the ruling.


• Hungary’s political landscape is rapidly changing after the end of Viktor Orbán’s rule.


• The ruling marks a significant step toward greater LGBTQ rights in Hungary.