Slovakia’s parliament has enacted a constitutional amendment that legally recognizes only two genders: male and female. This change also limits adoption rights to married heterosexual couples and bans surrogate pregnancies. The amendment was described as a measure to uphold “sovereignty in cultural and ethical matters,” passing with a narrow margin of votes.
Observers were surprised by the outcome, as Prime Minister Robert Fico acknowledged just days prior that he was uncertain about its passage. Fico’s coalition, composed of populist, leftist, and nationalist parties, controlled only 78 of the 150 seats in the Slovak National Council, but received unexpected support from 12 opposition members. Notably, some members of the former Prime Minister Igor Matovic’s Slovakia movement joined the vote, while Matovic himself labeled them as traitors.
Fico’s government argued that the amendment was essential for protecting traditional values. After the vote, Fico indicated the government’s intent to celebrate what they perceived as a significant victory against progressive ideologies. Critics, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns that this legal alteration could negatively impact the LGBT community and draw Slovakia closer to the governance models seen in Hungary and Russia.
Legal experts in Slovakia warn that enshrining the constitution’s supremacy over EU law poses a direct challenge to the European Union, potentially leading to legal disputes and sanctions. Some analysts suggest that Fico’s move might be a strategy to divert attention from declining public support and unpopular policies.
Most opposition members chose to boycott the parliamentary session, with the Progressive Slovakia party indicating that this incident would affect future collaborations. President Peter Pellegrini has expressed his intention to sign the amendment, emphasizing the significance of achieving a constitutional majority amid societal divisions. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Fico’s party is at risk of expulsion from the Party of European Socialists due to its shifting political stance.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m4kpg2nmmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss