Hungarian police announced on Thursday that they have officially banned the Budapest Pride march, planned for June 28 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

The decision comes amid growing political tensions in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has intensified efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights.

The ban follows legislation passed by Hungary’s parliament in March, dominated by Orban’s right-wing Fidesz party. The law gives authorities the legal basis to prohibit LGBTQ+ marches, citing the protection of children as justification.

Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, challenged the law by declaring earlier this week that the Pride event would be held as a municipal celebration, arguing that it did not require official permits. However, Budapest metropolitan police countered that the legislation applied regardless and officially prohibited the march.

In response, Karacsony dismissed the police ban on Facebook, stating it held “no relevance” because the city had not formally notified authorities about the event. He emphasized, “The Metropolitan Municipality will host the Budapest Pride Freedom Celebration on June 28, the day of Hungarian freedom, as a municipal event. Period.” Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend.

The government’s crackdown on Pride reflects a broader conservative agenda under Orban, who faces a challenging election in 2026. His administration has increasingly targeted LGBTQ+ rights to solidify support from rural voters aligned with Christian conservative values.

Earlier this year, Orban discouraged Pride organizers, saying they “should not even bother” holding the event in Budapest.

This ban highlights ongoing struggles over LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary, with the Budapest Pride march becoming a focal point in the country’s cultural and political battles.