Slovakia passes constitutional amendment to recognize only 2 sexes, sparking human rights concernshttps://apnews.com/article/slovakia-constitution-amendment-gender-25f350137d390725e06d286501cb2824 🔗Associated Press - Updated 6:47 AM MDT, September 26, 2025
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's international obligations and undermine the protection of human rights.
The amendment, which was drafted by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, required a three-fifths majority. It passed with 90 votes of the 150-seat National Council.
The amended constitution now recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and states that Slovakia retains sovereignty in matters of "national identity," which is not specifically defined, especially in "fundamental cultural-ethical questions."
The amendment also makes it almost impossible for anyone other than married couples to adopt children. The constitution had already defined marriage as "a unique union between a man and a woman."
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty previously urged lawmakers not to give a green light to the changes. He said they deny "the realities of trans and intersex people and may impact on human rights guarantees such as access to legal gender recognition."
"Seeking to disapply specific rights because they touch upon 'national identity' would be fundamentally incompatible with the Slovak Republic's international obligations," he added.-----------------------------
