Budapest gay bar torched

Someone firebombed the Budapest gay bar Action on June 27 after first phoning to be sure there were patrons present and to announce his plan.

The curtains in the bar's front room quickly went up in flames but were doused by a patron with a fire extinguisher. No one was injured. Several gay and gay-friendly organizations have denounced the police for investigating the incident as one of "vandalism" rather than "attempted murder."

"Vandalism is when you spray paint on a wall," said Gábor Kuszing of the Association of People Challenging Patriarchy. "Throwing a petrol bomb into a bar with people in it is attempted murder. We are afraid that the police (are sending) a message that serious crimes against LGBT people will be tolerated."

A few hours before the attack, an anti-gay Web site published the addresses of gay businesses in the city and suggested attacking them.

A second attack occurred July 2 at the gay bathhouse Magnum. Four gas bombs were tossed into the building. The fires were doused with fire extinguishers.

"We are doubtful if the police are really protecting the gay establishments as they promised" Kuszing said.