Hungary's crackdown on LGBTQI+ representation boosted Pride march

The Hungarian crackdown on LGBTQI+ rights provided a boost to Budapest Pride this weekend, with tens of thousands pouring into the streets despite the 35 degrees heat, organisers said.

According to the calculation of organisers, 35,000 people braved the heatwave and gathered at Városliget Park, a picturesque and historic site, on July 15. Among them were diplomats from around the world, international companies and tourists.

The march came a week after news reports started emerging that bookstores across the country were being forced the cover children and youth books that include LGBTQI+ characters in plastic.

Pictures from Libri, a popular bookstore chain, show some books wrapped in tight and thick plastic. The wrapping of these books, including some Marvel comics and fiction novels, is supposed to protect children from what the government deems LGBTQI+ propaganda.