The Governing Mayor of Berlin, the CDU politician Kai Wegner, has invited Gergely Karácsony, the green Budapest mayor, and a delegation from the Hungarian capital to the Berlin CSD on July 25. The background is that Karácsony, despite a ban from the queer-hostile Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, allowed the CSD in the Hungarian capital last year and even joined the protest there (TheColu.mn reported). Therefore, he now faces a court hearing (TheColu.mn reported).
Berlin and Budapest have been sister cities for more than 30 years. In a personal letter, Wegner expressed his deep concern about the ongoing prosecution of Karácsony.
“We thank the Governing Mayor for this decision,” said Thomas Hoffmann, a board member of the Berlin CSD. “Berlin is taking a stand and visibly aligning with all those who defend democracy, human rights, and freedom.” The CSD association had already called for an official invitation from the Budapest mayor last autumn (TheColu.mn reported).
The Lesbian and Gay in the Union (LSU) also welcomes the Berlin city leader’s decision: “Kai Wegner is sending an unmistakable signal for the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights,” explained LSU state chair René Powilleit. “In a time when the visibility and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary are under heavy pressure, Berlin is taking a clear stance.” This is a powerful signal for solidarity across Europe.
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