
"People are frightened, anxious, and feel powerless, as they have become hostages of politicians through this amendment, said Martin Macko, the organisation's executive director. The amendment explicitly bans legal gender recognition (it's) directly attacking the lives of transgender and intersex people. The vote suggested that Slovakia was following in the footsteps of Russia, where same-sex couples have been banned from adopting children and mentions of LGBTQ+ issues are prohibited, as well as Hungary, where the country's ruling Fidesz party, led by rightwing populist Viktor Orban, has taken aim at LGBTQ+ rights."
"This amendment threatens Slovakia's EU membership and brings us even closer to authoritarian Russia, said Macko. The paradox is that these measures were adopted at a time when acceptance of LGBT+ people in Slovak society is growing. Since returning to power in 2023, the government led by the populist Robert Fico has targeted the community, ushering in measures such as the elimination of public funding for projects related to LGBTQ+ people."
Slovakia's parliament approved a constitutional amendment that recognizes only male and female sexes and makes it nearly impossible for same-sex couples to adopt. The amendment explicitly bans legal gender recognition, directly affecting transgender and intersex people. LGBTQ+ advocates report widespread fear and powerlessness, with more than 100 contacts to Iniciativa Inakost following the vote. Critics compare the measures to policies in Russia and Hungary and warn of threats to Slovakia's EU membership and democratic norms. Since 2023, the government of Robert Fico has cut public funding for LGBTQ+ projects and shifted toward rightwing, anti‑progressive policies.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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