Hungary's proposed law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality – much like the infamous UK Section 28 rule – has caused outrage across the European Union and now the European Commission President has joined the criticism.

Speaking alongside Belgium's Prime Minister, Ursula von der Leyen said it was "clearly" homophobic and she has instructed the Commission to express "legal concerns" to Budapest. 

"This bill clearly discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and it goes against all the values, the fundamental values of the European Union … I've instructed my responsible commissioners to write a letter to the Hungarian authorities concerning or expressing our legal concerns," she told the Brussels meeting. 

Despite this, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has vehemently defended the proposition, which he added was voted for "by almost 100 percent in the Hungarian parliament."

He added: "This is a national competence and this national competence should not be challenged. And, once again, my advice is: read the law and do not circulate fake news." 

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It doesn't seem likely the Commission and Viktor Orban's right-wing government will come to any quick compromise, as Von Der Leyen concluded by setting out her position on individual freedoms, including sexuality. 

"I have said it before and want to repeat it … I strongly believe in a European Union where you are free to love whom you want," she declared. 

The law seeks to ban any "display and promotion of homosexuality" to those aged under 18. 

The news of the Hungarian parliament's passage of the bill – which will likely be made law – gained extra traction on Tuesday, when the Mayor of Munich petitioned UEFA to allow the city to light its football stadium in the LGBT Rainbow colors for Germany's match against Hungary. 

European football's governing body denied the request, saying it was "political" and it could not condone political or religious protest. The news came only days after UEFA allowed Germany's Manuel Neuer to wear a rainbow armband during a Euro 2020 game. 

The reaction was swift, with football pundits including England's Gary Lineker sending messages on social media for Munich to "do it anyway" and Germany's Thomas Hitzlsperger (who is gay) said: "Dear @EURO2020, don't be offended by the 🌈. Think about those who still get discriminated. They need support. Your support, too!!

Antoine Griezmann, who is at the tournament playing for France, shared a picture of the Allianz Arena in rainbow colors in 2020. 

Outside football, the decision also gathered criticism, with French and German politicians the most prominent to speak out. 

Clement Beaune, who happens to be gay, said he "regretted" UEFA's decision. 

"We are beyond a political message. It is a message about our profound values, not a partisan proposal. So I regret this decision," he said.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also tweeted his support for the LGBT community, hinting that fans should still show their pride with what they choose to wear to the game on Wednesday evening. 

"Luckily you can still show your colors today – in and outside of the stadium," he posted, alongside a winking face emoji. 

But perhaps the most straightforward criticism of the rejection came from the European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova. 

"The rainbow is not offensive," she told Politico. "If anyone has a problem with it, this speaks more about them, rather than about people who want to light up the stadium with it."

On Wednesday morning, UEFA posted its logo with a rainbow motif, along with a statement that "UEFA respects the rainbow."

"For UEFA, the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society," the accompanying statement said.