Slovakia Approves Anti-LGBTQ+ Constitutional Amendment Limiting Adoption, Defining Two Sexes

Slovakia's parliament passed a constitutional amendment that recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and asserts that national law takes precedence over EU law in matters of "national identity," including family structure and gender. The amendment also restricts adoption to married heterosexual couples, prohibits surrogate pregnancies, and increases state control over school curricula by requiring parental consent for lessons outside the state framework. Critics, including international human rights organizations and legal experts, warn that the changes undermine human rights protections, particularly for LGBT and intersex individuals, and may violate Slovakia's international obligations. The amendment was passed with the support of Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition and some opposition lawmakers, surprising observers given the tight vote margin. Fico framed the amendment as a defense of traditional values and a resistance to what he called "progressivism," while opponents fear it aligns Slovakia with illiberal governments and challenges EU authority. The changes take effect on November 1 and are expected to provoke legal disputes within the EU.