Slovak parliament enshrines recognition of only two sexes in Constitution
A groom carries his bride after the wedding ceremony. Illustrative photo: Deutsche Welle
On September 26, 2025, Slovakia’s parliament approved constitutional amendments recognizing only two sexes – male and female. The news was reported by Deutsche Welle.
The amendments also ban adoption of children by unmarried couples and introduce a complete ban on surrogacy. According to Minister of Justice Boris Susko, the purpose of the changes is to strengthen traditional values and preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
Ninety out of 150 deputies voted for the amendments – the minimum required to change the constitution. The ruling coalition lacked enough votes on its own and was supported by several conservative opposition deputies. Most opposition MPs boycotted the session, while seven voted against.
The amendments sparked criticism from the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and a group of Slovak lawyers, who argue that the changes contradict the country’s international commitments and create legal uncertainty. Nevertheless, the amendments will come into effect on November 1.
It is noted that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has increasingly positioned himself as a supporter of conservative values. His political ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had earlier initiated similar constitutional changes in Hungary, restricting LGBT rights and affirming the recognition of only two genders.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Slovak Prime Minister called for the Constitution to enshrine the recognition of only two genders.
Read also
UOC Priest Concelebrated with the Patriarch of Georgia in Tbilisi
In two Georgian churches, a cleric was informed that clergy of the OCU are prohibited from participating in services of the Georgian Church.
Pat. Bartholomew calls on four Churches to accept Crete Council's decisions
On the tenth anniversary of the Council of Crete, the Primate of the Constantinople Church addressed the four absent Local Churches.
Chernivtsi Holy Spirit Cathedral marks patronal feast
On the Day of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan Meletiy led the festal Liturgy at Chernivtsi’s cathedral, concelebrated by hierarchs and clergy.
Kyiv Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh damaged in Russian strike
A Russian strike damaged the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Kyiv's Solomianskyi District, shattering windows in the church and parish buildings. No injuries were reported.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.