Premier Fico Discusses Slovak Constitution Amendment with Experts

Bratislava, February 27 (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) held talks with experts on Thursday regarding the preparation of the proposed amendment to the Slovak Constitution, seeking advice on how to enshrine the primacy of Slovak laws over EU acts and international agreements in fundamental cultural and ethical matters, and he believes the proposal will gain support in Parliament, Fico stated on social media. Fico aims to amend the government’s proposed constitutional change to define the existence of only two genders — man and woman — and allow adoption only by married couples or one of the spouses in the event of the other’s death. "We have already defined marriage in the constitution as a unique relationship between a man and a woman," he noted. He also wants to enshrine the obligation to teach only what is consistent with the Constitution in schools on cultural and ethical issues and to highlight gender equality in pay, calling his proposals a "return to common sense." The premier's proposed constitutional amendment has already gone through public consultation but hasn't yet been submitted to the government for discussion. Fico also urged the public to send their suggestions and proposals to the Government Office. He proposes that the constitutional change take effect from July 1. The coalition partners of Smer-SD, Voice-SD and Slovak National Party (SNS), have also presented their constitutional amendments, and the opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) has already submitted their proposal to Parliament. lin