Thousands marched in Pecs, Hungary, defying a ban on Pride events, citing animal overpopulation, with 7,000–8,000 attendees peacefully protesting government restrictions.

Thousands defied a government ban to attend a Pride march in Pecs, Hungary, on October 4, 2025, with organizers citing wild animal overpopulation to bypass restrictions. AFP reported 7,000 to 8,000 attendees, including students, teachers, and activists, who carried rainbow flags and signs criticizing the government, with slogans like “Hungary is a dictatorship.” The event, the only Pride march outside Budapest, followed a Supreme Court ruling upholding a national ban on LGBTQ parades enacted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, which claims the law protects children. Despite threats of fines and attempts by counter-protesters to disrupt the march, it proceeded peacefully. European Parliament members attended in solidarity, highlighting international concern over Hungary’s restrictions on LGBTQ rights and free expression.