A decree published in the Hungarian Official Gazette bans the display of symbols “referring to or promoting” sexual minorities on government buildings, Hungarian media reported on Friday. The announcement coincides with the opening of the 30th edition of the Budapest Pride festival.
A Symbolic Decision
The document, signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and effective immediately upon publication, states that “symbols referring to or promoting various sexual and gender orientations, or political movements representing them, may not be displayed on government buildings or those affiliated with the Central Bank.”
The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the measure is largely symbolic, as the display of such symbols “is not a common practice in government buildings.” The office added in a statement: “The decree primarily reaffirms the government’s firm commitment to suppressing LGBTQ+ propaganda directed at children—whether in kindergartens, schools, the media, or public spaces.”
Pro-LGBTQ+ Symbolism Remains in Budapest
The regulation does not apply to municipal buildings. On Friday, opposition Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony posted a photo on Facebook showing a rainbow flag displayed in front of City Hall.
“Hungary is not the same as the government, and Budapest is not identical with the state. The Budapest Pride festival is a celebration of freedom for all of us,” Karácsony wrote.
New Laws Target Pride Events
In mid-March this year, the Hungarian Parliament passed an amendment to the Assembly Act that effectively bans Pride parades. The legislative changes were introduced by the ruling Fidesz party. The law allows authorities to impose fines on event organizers and prohibits the “display or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under the age of 18.
Earlier this week, Hungarian police rejected a request to hold this year’s Equality March in Budapest. Despite the ban, organizers of the event—scheduled for late June—have announced their intention to proceed with the march.