The European Commission, on Wednesday (Feb 7) launched legal action against Hungary’s controversial “sovereignty law” which the ruling Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban said was necessary to protect Budapest from foreign political interference.

EU launches legal action against Hungary’s controversial ‘sovereignty law’

The legislation, proposed by Orban’s government, says only married couples can adopt children and single people can only adopt with special permission from the family affairs minister.

Hungary's parliament passes law effectively banning same-sex adoption

Opposition parties said the sweeping new powers could be misused by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been under attack for weakening checks and balances in the constitution, to seize more power.

Hungary gives government extra powers in face of "terror threat"