Slovakia approves constitutional amendment limiting recognition to two sexes and restricting adoptions

Slovakia’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment recognizing only two sexes and restricting adoption to married heterosexual couples, while banning surrogate pregnancies. The measure, marketed by its supporters as a defense of traditional values, passed in a knife-edge vote that highlighted a volatile parliamentary dynamic in Bratislava. The 150-member National Council had been expected to require at least 90 votes to overhaul the constitution, but the government coalition—comprising Smer-Social Democracy and aligned partners—ultimately secured the support of 78 seats, with 12 opposition lawmakers voting in favor as well.

The backing for the amendment came as a surprise to many observers. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s populist-left coalition had faced questions about whether it could marshal enough votes, given internal divisions and a political spectrum that includes former ally-turned-rival factions. Several members of the former governing Slovakia Movement (we) shifted to support the measure at the last moment, a development that Fico hailed as a victory for what his government has termed traditional values. He framed the vote as a strategic bulwark against what he called liberal ideology as well as “progressivism,” describing the moment in terms that underscored the political stakes of the day. He said, “This isn't a little dam, or just a regular dam—this is a great dam against progressivism.”

In the aftermath, President Peter Pellegrini said he would sign the amendment, arguing that a broad, cross-party consensus was important to signal unity on a contentious issue in a divided society. Pellegrini’s stance underscored the government’s aim to present the move as a stabilizing parameter rather than a purely partisan win. Yet the vote drew swift condemnation from rights groups and international observers, who criticized the measure as restricting the rights of LGBT people and aligning Slovakia more closely with illiberal governments in the region. Amnesty International and other human rights advocates warned that the changes could complicate the lives of LGBT Slovaks and undermine broader protections guaranteed by European Union norms.

Legal scholars have warned that elevating the primacy of the Slovak constitution over EU law could trigger a wave of legal challenges and potential sanctions, complicating the country’s ongoing integration within European institutions. They say the amendment raises tensions with the EU over the balance between national sovereignty and EU-level protections for equality and non-discrimination. The move was described by some as a deliberate playing card by Fico’s government to shift attention from domestic policy concerns, including austerity measures and a decline in poll numbers.

The vote also reshaped Slovakia’s relationship with its political allies and opponents. The Slovak government’s coalition, which has included populist and nationalist strands, had been criticized for aligning with a party that previously supported a coalition with the far-right Slovak National Party. Separately, Smer-Social Democracy’s path in European politics faced potential redefinition after reports indicated the party could be formally expelled from the Party of European Socialists (PES) at an upcoming conference. Smer’s leadership has faced significant friction with European Union partners as it deepened ties with Russia, including meetings with President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions in the past year. Since its suspension in 2023 for forming a coalition with far-right elements, Smer has not publicly commented on the PES expulsion discussions.

Amid the domestic debate, critics argued that the amendment would not only restrict rights for LGBTQ+ citizens but also entrench a reformulation of gender and family policy that could have long-lasting social consequences. Beata Balagová, editor-in-chief of Slovak daily SME, summarized the criticism when she told the BBC that the constitution’s passage appeared to reflect a political strategy more than a principled stance on culture. “The Slovak constitution has fallen victim to Robert Fico's plan to dismantle the opposition and divert attention from the real problems of society, as well as the austerity measures he had to pass,” Balagová said. “Fico does not genuinely care about gender issues, the ban on surrogate motherhood, or even adoptions by LGBTQ people.”

Progressive Slovakia, which leads in public polling, condemned the vote as a betrayal of cross-party cooperation and a signal that long-running debates over social policy would be pursued at the expense of consensus on economic and governance issues. Many opposition lawmakers did not attend the session, and the party said the betrayal marked the end of any realistic cooperation with Matovič’s Slovakia Movement, which had previously played a pivotal role in coalition formation.

The constitutional amendment is framed by supporters as a shield for Slovakia’s cultural and ethical sovereignty, but it carries potential implications beyond domestic politics. Legal scholars warn that the move to assert constitutional primacy over EU law could provoke legal pushback within the bloc and complicate the country’s trajectory toward deeper European integration. The government’s critics stress that the decision reflects a broader trend in parts of Central Europe toward redefining the balance between national sovereignty and human rights protections under EU rules.

Observers note that the timing of the vote—soon after debates over economic policy and public services—suggests a strategic attempt to consolidate political capital for Fico’s government as it confronts heightened scrutiny from European partners and domestic opponents. Whether this act will translate into lasting political realignment remains uncertain, but the decision will almost certainly shape Slovakia’s legal and political landscape for years to come, including the country’s ongoing dialogue with Brussels about rule of law and democratic norms.