"I am proud to be here in Budapest at an international conference in support of human rights, and especially to support the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons which have recently come under legislative attack in Hungary," stressed Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD), Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, following her meeting with Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony on 27 June 2025, ahead of Budapest Pride scheduled for 28 June.
She welcomed the Mayor's firm stance against restricting the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, including their freedoms of expression and of assembly, in relation to the new law banning the organisation of Pride and similar events and the constitutional amendment. These were adopted by the Hungarian Parliament in March and April 2025, respectively.
"Budapest is a city that chooses to respect the rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens," underlined the Standing Rapporteur, adding that national constitutions and legislation cannot be used to force local authorities to violate human rights. She supported in this regard the statement made by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.
"Congress Rapporteurs on Human Rights have, on several occasions, expressed their deep concern over the situation in Hungary with regard to this new legislation and its negative impact on human rights. The new law infringes on the right of LGBTIQ+ persons to their private and family life without discrimination, as well as on the freedoms of expression and of assembly, and also impacts the decision-making autonomy of local authorities when authorising public demonstrations. The constitutional amendment enshrines this infringement at the highest level of the national legal system, paving the way for institutionalised discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons," continued Ms Mosler-Törnström.
She concluded by highlighting that cities which implement LGBTIQ-inclusive policies benefit from a higher degree of trust and better relationships between communities. "I am pleased to see that Budapest is one such city. All local and regional authorities need to recognise that LGBTIQ+ persons are an integral part of the community the authorities serve," stressed the Standing Rapporteur.
