Despite threats, and violent clashes with extremists in 2007 and 2008, this year’s Budapest Pride Festival is set to go ahead. The organisation has the police on its side, as well as the support of thirteen embassies around the world… oh, and also Whoopi Goldberg.

“Human rights – including justice, equality, humanity, respect and freedom of expression – and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built,” reads the joint press release issued by embassies in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the US and the UK. “Indeed, international human rights law is grounded on the premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

UK Gay News reports that in June this year the extreme right wing party, Movement for a Better Hungary (Jobbik), gained enough votes to send three MEPs to the European Parliament and then a week later they announced at a press conference that they will work with other political groups to stop this month’s Budapest gay pride march “by all means necessary”.

The first Budapest Pride March was in 1997 and for the first decade of its life it was relatively peaceful. However last year’s march was marred by right wing protesters – a total of 45 people were taken into custody. Extremists threw eggs, bottles and rocks at marchers, and cobblestones and petrol bombs at authorities. Police said at least seven people were injured including a journalist and two police officers.

It was called the worst violence in the Pride Parade’s twelve year history. The clashes lasted for about three hours. Police used water cannons and tear gas to keep the extremists at bay, and advised marchers to carry umbrellas or wear helmets. One police van was set on fire and another carrying Gabor Szetey, a former state secretary who came out in 2007, had its window smashed.

The scenes were similar in 2007. A gang of ultra-nationalists, skinheads and fascists threw eggs, beer bottles, smoke bombs and molotov cocktails at the marchers, and also yelled phrases such as “faggots into the Danube, followed by the Jews,” “soap factory” and “filthy faggots.”

When the Pride March arrived at the Buddha Beach discotheque for their after-party the venue was blockaded by the gangs and the doors were locked by the police, leaving the marchers in the street, where they were again attacked. The gangs eventually dispersed and the party took place, but marchers were bashed as they left the party later on, with more than a dozen people reporting injuries from such attacks, including one German man who ended up in hospital.

Police and city officials will be providing extra protection for marchers in next Saturday’s parade.

Meanwhile Pinknews reports that Whoopi Goldberg has recorded a message of support which will be played publicly on Sunday, the first day of the Budapest Pride Festival.

“Whoopi has filmed and traveled in Hungary, and has spoken publicly of her love for Hungary,” Pride organisers said. “Now hear what she has to say about the situation of Gay Pride in Hungary.”

In addition to parties and a film festival, Budapest Pride week will also feature self-defence classes.