On the occasion of the 23rd Budapest Pride Festival, embassies convey their support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities and their right to express themselves peacefully and lawfully.

They therefore note the important advocacy work of the LGBTQ civil society organizations today.

Respect for human rights — including justice, equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression as well as the non-interference in the practice of these rights — and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built.

Indeed, international human rights law is grounded on the broad premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms without discrimination (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 2).

On this is based our unshakeable view that human rights apply equally to every human being, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  This is the essence of our democratic values.

We reject and condemn acts of violence and discrimination in all regions of the world committed against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Any discrimination on those grounds is incompatible with the provisions of the relevant legal texts, including within the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union.

Positive developments are welcomed at the international, regional, and national levels in the fight against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Every country is ecouraged to take further steps to ensure the equality and dignity of all human beings irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Celebrating diversity is a sure way to promote respect for human rights.

Budapest Pride, which has the longest history of such events in Central Eastern Europe, promotes the principle of equal treatment for LGBTQ persons, an important aspect of an inclusive and respectful society.

MTI Photo

Source: U.S. Embassy in Hungary