Slovakia has amended its constitution, recognizing only male and female sexes, restricting adoption to married heterosexual couples, and prohibiting surrogate pregnancies. The vote in the Slovak National Council passed by a narrow margin, surprising many observers.
What the Amendment Does
The constitutional change, framed as protecting “sovereignty in cultural and ethical matters,” explicitly:
- Limits legal recognition to two sexes – male and female.
- Restricts adoption to married heterosexual couples.
- Prohibits surrogate pregnancies.
Critics, including Amnesty International, warn the amendment will make life harder for LGBT people, comparing it to policies in Hungary and Russia.
How the Vote Passed
Prime Minister Robert Fico’s coalition, which controls 78 seats, needed 90 votes to pass the amendment. Surprisingly, 12 opposition MPs sided with the government.
- The Christian Democrats supported the change.
- Some members of former PM Igor Matovic’s Slovakia movement voted in favor, leading Matovic to call them “traitors.”
Fico celebrated the vote, describing it as a “great dam against progressivism,” and criticized liberal ideology, claiming it spreads “like cancer.”
Legal and Political Implications
Experts say the amendment could challenge EU law and spark legal battles. Critics argue it is a political ploy by Fico to distract from falling poll ratings and unpopular policies.
Beata Balagova, editor of SME, said:
“Fico does not genuinely care about gender issues, the ban on surrogate motherhood, or adoptions by LGBTQ people.”
Reactions and European Consequences
President Peter Pellegrini confirmed he will sign the amendment, citing the need for consensus despite societal division.
Fico’s Smer-Social Democracy party has moved far from mainstream European centre-left values. Reports suggest Smer may be expelled from the Party of European Socialists at an upcoming conference. The party had already been suspended in 2023 after forming a coalition with the far-right Slovak National Party and has angered European allies by meeting Vladimir Putin four times in less than a year.
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