Bratislava, Slovakia, September 29, 2025
britannica.com
Slovakia’s Parliament approved constitutional amendments on Friday, September 26, establishing recognition of only two genders—male and female. The changes also ban adoption by unmarried couples and completely prohibit surrogate motherhood.
The amendments, introduced by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, aim to “strengthen traditional values and preserve Slovakia’s cultural heritage,” reports Deutsche Welle.
Justice Minister Boris Susko stated that these values stem from the constitution’s preamble and are connected to recognizing marriage as a unique union between a man and a woman.
The document emphasizes Slovakia’s sovereignty in matters of values, ethics and culture, while also enshrining the requirement for equal pay between men and women. The constitutional changes take effect November 1.
Out of 150 members of Slovakia’s Parliament, exactly 90 voted in favor—the minimum number required to amend the country’s constitution. The ruling coalition lacked sufficient majority but received support from several conservative opposition deputies. The leading opposition force Progressive Slovakia opposed the amendments, with most opposition deputies boycotting the session and seven voting against.
The amendments have been criticized by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. According to a group of Slovak lawyers, including former member of the European Court and Slovakia’s Constitutional Court Daniel Svaby, the changes create legal uncertainty and contradict the country’s international obligations. The Slovak Bar Association emphasized that the country must maintain loyalty to EU legal norms and respect international treaties, particularly in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Critics including Amnesty International have warned the change will make life more difficult for LGBT people. The vote came as a surprise to observers, with even Prime Minister Fico conceding as late as Thursday it might not pass, according to the BBC.
Prime Minister Fico increasingly positions himself as a supporter of conservative values. His ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, previously implemented similar constitutional changes in his country, restricting LGBT rights and establishing recognition of only two genders.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
