Slovakia's parliament approved a controversial constitutional amendment on September 26, 2025, that significantly curtails the rights of LGBTQ individuals and asserts national law over European Union law in matters of "national identity." The legislation, championed by the populist government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and sparked protests.

The amendment passed with the necessary 90 votes in the 150-seat national council, securing support from some conservative opposition lawmakers. Its key provisions legally recognize only male and female as sexes, effectively preventing legal recognition for non-binary and transgender individuals. Furthermore, it tightens adoption rules to permit only married couples to adopt children. As same-sex marriage is not legal in Slovakia, this de facto bans adoption by same-sex couples. The amendment also explicitly prohibits surrogate pregnancies.

A central and contentious part of the new law is the assertion that Slovak national law will take precedence over European Union law concerning family, gender, and education. It also mandates that school curricula must align with the "constitutional cultural and ethical values" defined by the amendment.

The decision was immediately condemned by human rights advocates. Amnesty International called the changes a "devastating blow to gender equality, human rights, and the rule of law in Slovakia." The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern, stating that invoking "national identity" to restrict rights is incompatible with international human rights standards. Additionally, the Venice Commission, an advisory body on constitutional law, had previously warned that the amendment's vague language could lead to arbitrary interpretations.

This constitutional change is seen by critics as part of a broader trend under Prime Minister Fico, whose administration has been compared to the conservative governments of Hungary and Russia. His government has faced criticism for increasing control over public media and non-governmental organizations, leading to concerns about a democratic backslide.

The amendment solidifies Slovakia’s position as one of the more restrictive countries within the European Union regarding LGBTQ rights. It creates a potential conflict with broader EU policies on equality and non-discrimination, highlighting a growing ideological divide between Slovakia's current government and the bloc's foundational values.