MPs urge cabinet to join banned Pride march in Budapest

MPs have backed a motion calling on cabinet ministers to take part in the Pride march in Budapest at the end of next month, even though the event has been banned by Hungarian law.

The motion was submitted by the right-wing liberal VVD and pan-European party Volt, but the three other coalition parties, including the far-right PVV, voted against it.

In March, the Hungarian parliament passed legislation banning the annual Pride event, although preparations are continuing for what would be the 30th edition.

The Dutch government has condemned the Hungarian legislation, which the VVD and Volt say is reason enough to send a cabinet delegation to the march. The ban, they argue, “conflicts with the key values and principles on which the EU was founded, such as freedom, the rule of law and democracy”.

Defence minister Ruben Brekelmans, who was standing in for foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, said the cabinet had not ruled out sending ministers or junior ministers. However, he warned that a strong political message could create complications for the organisers.

“An official permit for the march has not yet been requested and so no permission has been given,” he said. “If there is one, we can see how we can take part in the event.”

Several MPs have already said they intend to attend.