Slovakia passes constitutional amendment recognizing only two sexes, prompting human rights concerns

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia's parliament on Friday approved a constitutional amendment recognizing only two sexes, male and female, as part of a broader package drafted by Prime Minister Robert Fico's government. The measure passed with 90 votes of 150 in the National Council, aided by 12 conservative opposition lawmakers, securing the three-fifths threshold. Proponents said the changes would bolster traditional values, while critics argued they could undermine Slovakia's international obligations and human rights protections.

Under the amendment, the constitution would recognize only two sexes and reiterate Slovakia's sovereignty in matters of “national identity,” a phrase not clearly defined, especially in “fundamental cultural-ethical questions.” The package also makes adoption largely available only to married couples and tightens the rules around parental consent for access to sexual education, while guaranteeing equal pay for men and women. The constitution had already defined marriage as “a unique union between a man and a woman.” Justice Minister Boris Susko told parliament that the amendment should boost traditional values.

Amnesty International condemned the move, saying Slovakia's government chose to follow the lead of countries such as Hungary, whose policies have led to an erosion of human rights. “Today, the Slovak government chose to follow the lead of countries, such as Hungary, whose policies have led to an erosion of human rights,” the rights group said in a statement. Separately, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty urged lawmakers not to give a green light to the changes, warning that they deny “the realities of trans and intersex people” and may affect rights such as access to legal gender recognition. He added that seeking to disapply specific rights because they touch upon “national identity” would be fundamentally incompatible with Slovakia’s international obligations.

Fico has long been a divisive figure, and his critics say his tenure has shifted Slovakia away from its pro-Western course toward policies more aligned with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Thousands have rallied in Bratislava and across Slovakia to protest Fico’s pro-Russian stance and other policies, underscoring ongoing political tensions that have roiled the country’s public life.

Observers say the amendments could complicate Slovakia's standing with international partners and human rights frameworks. Critics contend the measures risk creating friction with European Union norms and with international human rights mechanisms, potentially inviting scrutiny and diplomatic pushback as Slovakia moves to implement the changes.