Slovak constitution amended to specifically ban same-sex relationships

The constitution of Slovakia has been amended to define marriage as specifically the “unique bond between a man and a woman”. MPs from both the SMER (Social Democrats), and the KDH (Christian Democrats), voted for the amendment.

The amendment specifically bars same-sex relationships to be recognised under the term ‘marriage’, and stops gay and lesbian couples from protections therein by specifying that “it will be impossible for the rights and duties associated with marriage to be conferred in any way other than a legally recognised union between a man and a woman”. The discussions between the two parties took place behind closed doors, much to the dismay of LGBT rights campaigners.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, reacted: “This amendment doesn’t ‘defend’ marriage; its sole purpose is to limit the rights of lesbian and gay couples. It will have consequences for all other forms of families, like single parents or unmarried couples. I am dismayed by the outcome of the vote, as well as the undemocratic way this backroom deal was struck. This shows how afraid SMER and KDH were of a public discussion—and quite rightly. A public debate would have provoked a loud protest against such a backward move. I will show my solidarity by taking part in Bratislava Pride on June 28th.”

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