Slovakia approves "traditional" constitutional amendment in threat to LGBTQ+ community
- Human Rights Research Center
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Author: Peter Clarkin, MA
October 2, 2025
HRRC strongly condemns the decision of the Slovakian government to approve a change in the constitution that only recognises two genders. The removal of legal recognition for all trans, non-binary and intersex individuals in the country is a direct infringement of their rights, and the international community must be strong in the defence of equality.
![[Image credit: Shutterstock/FooTToo]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_4a4299de9631480f899fbd707a0ddb3f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_119,h_77,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_4a4299de9631480f899fbd707a0ddb3f~mv2.png)
A change to Slovakia’s constitution was approved in parliament last Friday, September 26, that significantly undermines the battle for gender equality within the country. The primary amendment to the current constitution establishes an unadulterated law that only recognises two genders: male and female.
This strict definition of gender was passed with 90 votes in favour, the minimum needed to approve an amendment in the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and critics have been quick to condemn the decision. In practice, this outcome will leave all trans, non-binary and intersex individuals living without any legal representation, effectively relegating them to second-class citizen status.
The amendment also restricts adoption for many, leaving it as an option only for married heterosexual couples, thereby excluding same-sex couples, unmarried couples and single individuals. With regard to education, there will be more emphasis on traditional values and schools must set out curricula that fully reflect the cultural and ethical framework that is presented within the newly amended constitution.
Prime Minister Robert Fico had promoted the bill as being “a dam against progressivism” with Justice Minister Boris Susko supporting that view by telling parliament that it will strengthen traditional values. However, public opinion was noticeably divided, with younger voters and those living in urban areas strongly opposed, while churches and family groups were quick to publicise their support.
The amendment will come into effect on November 1, upon which the lives of many will be irrefutably different. The international community must continue to put pressure on the Slovak government, especially given that activists are predicting the current measures are likely to increase hostility towards those who are directly affected.
Glossary
Activists – People who take action to promote, oppose, or raise awareness of social, political, or environmental issues.
Amendment – A formal change or addition made to a law, legal document, or constitution.
Constitution – The fundamental set of principles and laws by which a country or organization is governed.
Curricula – The courses of study and content taught in schools or educational programs.
Heterosexual – A person who is sexually or romantically attracted to individuals of the opposite sex.
Hostility – Strong unfriendliness, opposition, or antagonism.
Intersex – A term for people born with physical or biological sex characteristics (such as chromosomes or anatomy) that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
Irrefutably – In a way that cannot be denied or disproved.
Non-binary – A gender identity that does not fit strictly into the categories of male or female.
Progressivism – A belief in social reform and policies that promote equality, inclusion, and forward-looking change.
Relegating – To assign or reduce someone to a lower or less important position or status.
Second-class citizen – A person or group who is systematically treated as inferior and denied equal rights or opportunities.
Trans – An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Unadulterated – Pure, complete, and not mixed with anything else; often used to emphasize intensity.
Sources