Following Atrocities at the Budapest Gay Pride Parade, the HCLU and Numerous Civil Organizations Have Signed a Joint Declaration

We have been dismayed by being informed that on July 7th, 2007, during the Gay Pride Parade, anti-demonstrators who shouted anti-semitic and homophobic remarks, threw eggs, bottles and molotov-cocktails at the peaceful procession.

Following the events of the parade, a group of perpetrators seriously injured a number of gay and lesbian individuals while at the same time making remarks at their sexual orientation.

We call upon the Hungarian Government to clearly communicate to the public what has happened and to emphasize that similar actions against gays and lesbians are condemned and a serious danger to society.

We also call upon law enforcement organizations to step up with due rigour and to investigate and prevent similar actions.

Furthermore, we call upon the government to initiate the amendment of the act on „violence against members of national, ethnical, racial or religious groups” by extending the law – in accordance with the Constitution – to cover actions and abuses against individuals offended for their real or presumed sexual orientation and sexual identity or for belonging to any other social group.

The bearings of such a „hate-crime” law – carrying the possibility of penalty – would provide a proper shield against such despicable attacks.

July 14th, 2007 Budapest

Háttér Support Society for LGBGS
Labrisz Lesbian Association
Lambda Budapest Friends Association
Hungarian Helsinki Committee
­Others Magazine
Legal Defence Bureau for National and Ethnic Minorities
Patent Association
Editorial of Pride.hu
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union
Protect the Future
Hungarian Young Greens