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. Twelve conservative opposition lawmakers helped the ruling coalition win the vote.
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.”
