The Slovak Parliament is currently facing intense scrutiny as it considers passing constitutional amendments that would significantly restrict LGBTQ+ rights, particularly affecting the transgender community. Amnesty International has issued a stern warning, urging the parliament to reject these amendments on the grounds of severe human rights violations.

Rado Sloboda, Director of Amnesty International Slovakia, described the amendments as "draconian." He emphasized that the proposed changes not only specifically target the rights of LGBTI persons and reproductive rights but also pose a threat to the adherence to EU and international law. Sloboda urged lawmakers to uphold principles of fairness, equality, and dignity by rejecting the amendments when they convene on September 25.

Proponents of the amendment argue that the measures are meant to preserve "the traditions, the cultural and spiritual heritage of our ancestors" and establish a "constitutional barrier against progressive politics." The proposed legal framework would strictly define marriage as a union between a heterosexual couple, severely limiting adoption rights to the same demographic with minimal exceptions. Furthermore, the legislation seeks to enforce a binary gender recognition system, complicating or outright denying legal gender recognition for diverse gender identities.

In April, Amnesty International had already criticized these amendments, claiming they improperly appropriated international law principles concerning "cultural and ethical issues." Additionally, a letter from the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights to the Slovak National Council highlighted the potential for human rights regression. The letter specifically pointed out that the proposal would mandate a genetic test to change a gender marker on official documents, effectively stripping transgender individuals of their right to have their gender identity legally acknowledged.

On an international front, UN Special Rapporteurs have expressed concerns that the drafted amendments are inconsistent with Slovakia's obligations under several human rights frameworks, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These obligations encompass rights to non-discrimination, education, and civil and political rights.

Currently, Slovakia ranks 68th globally on the LGBTQ+ friendliness scale with an equality index score of 49 out of 100. Public opinion in Slovakia continues to show low support for LGBTQ+ rights, and the legal framework does not recognize non-binary genders. Furthermore, the process for changing one's gender in Slovakia is dependent on undergoing surgery, and protections against hate crimes do not extend to those targeted based on gender identity.

As the date for the parliamentary vote approaches, international and local advocates continue to press Slovak lawmakers to consider the broader implications of the proposed amendments on human rights and the country's compliance with international standards.