Slovakia amends its constitution to recognize only male and female, raising human rights concerns
Slovakia’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment recognizing only two sexes, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and international observers who warn it could violate the country’s obligations under international law. The legislation, pushed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, passed Friday with 90 votes in the 150-seat National Council, aided by twelve conservative opposition members.
The updated constitution now explicitly recognizes only male and female sexes and asserts Slovakia’s sovereignty in matters of “national identity,” particularly on “fundamental cultural-ethical questions.” The amendment also makes it nearly impossible for unmarried couples to adopt children, requires parental consent for sexual education, and enshrines equal pay for men and women. Justice Minister Boris Susko described the changes as a reinforcement of traditional values. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the measure, citing concerns that it mirrors policies in countries like Hungary that erode protections for trans and intersex people. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that limiting rights under the guise of national identity conflicts with Slovakia’s international obligations. Fico’s critics argue his government is steering Slovakia away from a pro-Western trajectory, drawing comparisons to Hungary under Viktor Orbán, and protests against his policies have repeatedly taken place in Bratislava and other cities.
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