23/07/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Saturday 24 July, the 26th Budapest Pride Festival will take place in a political context that is particularly difficult for the Hungarian LGBTIQ+ community (see EUROPE 12767/2). Ahead of the event, a Joint Statement declaring “full support” for this community and its rights was signed by the embassies in Hungary of some 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and 20 EU Member States. Condemning “all acts of violence, harassment, stigmatization and discrimination” based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the signatories say they are “concerned by recent developments” in Hungary and welcome the role of the ‘Budapest Pride Festival’ “in promoting equality of treatment and social acceptance for all LGBTQI+ persons”. To view the statement: https://bit.ly/2V9lxfN (AC)