A Hungarian LGBTQ+ rights activist is being investigated for defying the countrys new ban on Pride events when he organized a massive march in the city of Pcs. In October, a reported eight thousand people showed up to express LGBTQ+ solidarity in the face of hostility from Prime Minister Victor Orbns authoritarian Fidesz party. In April, the party passed a constitutional amendmentoutlawing Pride eventsin the Central European nation and allowing authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees of the banned events. Related Hundreds of thousands turn out for Budapest Pride after authoritarian government banned pride Gza Buzs-Hbel who was fired last year from his state teaching job due to his role in LGBTQ+ activism told The Guardian he and his organization, Diverse Youth Network, still held the march in Pcs because Freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right, and we cannot allow political decisions to limit our communitys visibility or self-expression.If we dont stand up for ourselves here, then where? he said. Pride is not just a march it is a message: queer people exist even when others try to silence or ban us. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Since the event, he has been questioned by police, who recommended prosecutors press charges against him. They are currently deciding what to do next. Meanwhile, Buzs-Hbel says he faces a suspended prison sentence of up to three years. He will also be permanently banned from teaching if prosecutors decide to formally charge him. Despite the risks, he has no regrets. None of this changes the fact that I would organize Pride again in exactly the same way and I will do so next year as well, he said. For me, it is not just an event, but a stand for all those who need visibility and courage in such a hostile environment. Freedom sometimes comes at a high price, but the only thing I would truly regret is failing to stand up for my community. He also said hes waiting to see if the European Union, of which Hungary is a member, is ready to stand up for the principles it claims to represent.If, in an EU member state, someone can face criminal prosecution simply for organizing a peaceful Pride march and the EU does not respond firmly it sends the message that European values only matter until defending them requires real political courage.Earlier this year, a group of 20 European member nationsreleaseda letter condemning the legislation. The signatories called on the European Commission to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox at its disposal if the law isnt overturned. Respecting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is inherent in being part of the European family. This is our responsibility and shared commitment of the member states and the European institutions, the letter read.Like Russia, its ally in a politically motivated campaign against the degenerate West, Hungary has also institutedgay propaganda lawsprohibiting the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors. The European Commission started legal action against Hungary in 2021 over the law. A joint statement from four human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, called the criminal proceedings against Buzs-Hbel a turning point for the European Union. For the first time in EU history, a person is facing criminal charges for organising a Pride march: an act protected under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (the Charter), the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the values defined in Article 2 TEU, the groups stated. If criminal law can be used in an EU Member State to punish someone for organising Pride, the precedent will embolden others to follow. It marks the first breach of the EUs internal firewall against authoritarian legalism the point where Russian-style repression enters the Unions own legal space.The groups warned that the credibility of the European Union is at stake. A gay Roma teacher in southern Hungary should not have to risk going to prison to remind the EU what its values mean. Whether Europe acts now to defend him and the values he stands for will determine whether those values still protect anyone at all. Buzs-Hbelechoed similar sentiments while speaking to The Guardian, explaining that the case isnt really about him. In the eyes of those in power, I am just a speck of dust, he said. This is directed at my broader community, and the goal is to intimidate the people around me. They are using me as a tool to set an example for the entire country.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.