Slovakia amended its constitution to recognize male and female as the only two sexes. Parliament passed the measure in a narrow vote that also limits adoption rights to married heterosexual couples and bans surrogate pregnancies.
Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government secured the constitutional change after gaining unexpected support from opposition lawmakers. The amendment required at least 90 votes in the 150-seat parliament, with 12 opposition members joining the government coalition.
Fico defended the move as protecting traditional values against what he termed liberal ideology. Critics from Amnesty International warn the changes will harm LGBT citizens and align Slovakia with Hungary and Russia's restrictive policies.
Legal experts suggest the amendment challenges European Union law and could trigger sanctions against the central European nation.
Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition government secured the constitutional change after gaining unexpected support from opposition lawmakers. The amendment required at least 90 votes in the 150-seat parliament, with 12 opposition members joining the government coalition.
Fico defended the move as protecting traditional values against what he termed liberal ideology. Critics from Amnesty International warn the changes will harm LGBT citizens and align Slovakia with Hungary and Russia's restrictive policies.
Legal experts suggest the amendment challenges European Union law and could trigger sanctions against the central European nation.
