Hungary calls referendum to gauge local support for controversial new anti-LGBTIQ+ law

The law, which has drawn criticism from across Europe, includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s.

A drag queen waves a rainbow flag during an LGBTIQ+ rights demonstration in front of the Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest Source: AP

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced a referendum will be held to gauge domestic support for a controversial anti-LGBTIQ+ law, after the European Commission launched legal action against the government over the measure. 

Mr Orban made the announcement in a video posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

The legislation, which includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, has drawn scorn across Europe.

It has been billed by the government as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTIQ+ community.

Mr Orban said the referendum would include five questions, including asking citizens if they agree that schools should be permitted to "talk about sexuality to their children without their consent". 

It will also ask participants if they support "the promotion of sex reassignment treatment for minors" or the "unrestricted exposure of children to harmful sexual content".

He urged all participants to answer "no" to the questions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Source: AAP

No date has been set for the referendum, which he presented as a list of demands that the European Union would like to impose on Hungary. 

The law has sparked a row between Brussels and Budapest, as well as protests against the law inside and outside of Hungary.

The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against the law, which came into force this month, saying it violates EU rules on rights to freedom of expression, as well as free trade and provision of services. 

Hungary swiftly hit back, accusing Brussels of interfering in domestic affairs last week.

EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has called the law a "disgrace" and said that the EU executive would use "all powers available" to force Hungary to repeal or modify the law.

An infringement procedure involves several steps and could drag out over years to ultimately go to the European Court of Justice, which could impose financial penalties.

Hungary has two months to respond to the arguments put forward by the commission before the procedure enters the next stage.

Hungary has also accused Brussels of holding off on its approval of its COVID-19 recovery plan because of its opposition to the anti-LGBTIQ+ law.