Several thousand Hungarians took to the streets to protest against the actions of right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban to ban the annual LGBT march in central Budapest.
They dressed in gray colors and held signs ironically condemning colors and diversity, such as "Being in shape is cool" and "Listen to your heart, death to colors."
The rally, organized by the satirical movement "Two-Tailed Party," followed several other protests after the parliament, where Orban's nationalist party "Fidesz" holds a majority, passed a law last month banning the pride on the grounds that it may be harmful to children. The march was scheduled to take place at the end of June.
Although the party claims to protect family values, critics believe that the pride ban is part of a broader suppression of democratic freedoms ahead of next year's general elections. Orban will face a strong opposition contender, who, according to some recent public opinion polls, is pulling ahead.
The organizers did not shy away from the ironic format even in statements and announced that they convened the rally to support Orban's efforts to eradicate diversity, as they agree with his assertion that it is above all other problems in Hungary, including high inflation, lack of affordable housing, and the poor state of public services.
"All problems in the world stem from diversity and individualism," the statement said.
*"The World LGBT Movement" is recognized in Russia as a "foreign agent."
Photo: Reuters