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Young European Liberals oppose the deal in Slovakia between Social Democrats and Christian Democrats. LYMEC is appalled by the recent decision of Slovak Social democrats and Christian democrats to pursue a constitutional ban of same sex marriages, seeking further limitations of LGBTI-rights.

LYMEC president Vedrana Gujic stresses that ‘All contractual relationships between two individuals deserve the same respect, legal recognition and equal rights and access to legal aid in all countries of the European Union. What happened in Slovakia is a breach of basic citizens’ rights, with the government limiting the rights of one group in society to please another. Equality before the law is the basis of any civilized society. Equal rights for same sex partnerships do not limit any rights and freedoms for other citizens in such a society.’

Slovak MPs from SMER (Social-Democrats) and KDH (Christian-Democrats) voted to define marriage as a ‘unique bond between a man and a woman’ in the Slovak Constitution. Ruling party SMER supported the demands of the opposition party KDH in exchange of their supportfor a judicial reform. Both parties purposefully avoided public debate and struck a back room deal.

LYMEC president Vedrana Gujic: ‘LGBT rights in Slovakia have obviously become a trade off in a backroom political deal. These or any other rights should not be something to be bargained with in daily political deals, but should be protected by states and constitutions. Constitutions should be used to grant equality and same rights and obligations for all members of one society and not to legalise exclusions.’

Recent polls have shown growing support for legal partnerships between same sex couples. A constitutional ban on any civic union between same sex couples does not reflect the opinion of Slovak society.

LYMEC supports equal treatment and recognition of all contractual interpersonal partnerships in the European Union. We invite all liberals in Europe to support the Bratislava Pride taking place on June28th and stand up for LGBTI rights in Slovakia.