In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico speaks during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 5 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
Slovakia passes constitutional amendment to recognize only 2 sexes, sparking human rights concerns
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) 鈥 Slovakia’s parliament on Friday passed an amendment to the constitution that recognizes only two sexes, along with other measures that critics say might breach the country鈥檚 international obligations and undermine the protection of human rights.
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico speaks during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 5 2025. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) 鈥 Slovakia’s parliament on Friday passed an amendment to the constitution that recognizes only two sexes, along with other measures that critics say might breach the country鈥檚 international obligations and undermine the protection of human rights.
The amendment, which was drafted by populist Prime Minister government, required a three-fifths majority. It passed with 90 votes of the 150-seat National Council. Twelve conservative opposition lawmakers helped the ruling coalition win the vote.
The amended constitution now recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and states that Slovakia retains sovereignty in matters of 鈥渘ational identity,鈥 which is not specifically defined, especially in 鈥渇undamental cultural-ethical questions.鈥
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The amendment also makes it almost impossible for anyone other than married couples to adopt children. The constitution had already defined marriage as 鈥渁 unique union between a man and a woman.鈥
Parental consent is now needed for access to sexual education and equal pay for men and women is guaranteed.
Justice Minister Boris Susko told parliament that the amendment should boost traditional values.
Amnesty International condemned the move. 鈥淭oday, the Slovak government chose to whose policies have led to an erosion of human rights,鈥 it said in a statement.
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O鈥橣laherty previously urged lawmakers not to give a green light to the changes. He said they deny 鈥渢he realities of trans and intersex people and may impact on human rights guarantees such as access to legal gender recognition.鈥
鈥淪eeking to disapply specific rights because they touch upon 鈥榥ational identity鈥 would be fundamentally incompatible with the Slovak Republic鈥檚 international obligations,鈥 he added.
Fico has long been a divisive figure. His critics claim that under his rule Slovakia has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary under .
in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico鈥檚 pro-Russian stance and other policies.
