Horúce otázky

THERE seems to be some deeper, thus far unknown connection between the state of the economy and the rights of homosexuals. At least judging by the statements of various top Smer members.

THERE seems to be some deeper, thus far unknown connection between the state of the economy and the rights of homosexuals. At least judging by the statements of various top Smer members.

Former MP and Trenčín regional party boss Edita Angyalová deserves praise for becoming the country’s first politician to admit to raising a child with her girlfriend. The move may not only help the political debate, but also make the country at least a little more tolerant. However, her party colleagues don’t seem to appreciate it very much. Some were open about their disapproval. Like former football player and coach, and current MP Dušan Galis, who was troubled by several questions: “When two men sleep together, should the child watch or what? Is it right for the kid to see two grown-up men take a walk with him?”

Others simply claimed the time was not right. “We understand the practical difficulties these pairs face, but right now, Slovakia faces much more burning questions (horúce otázky), which result from the eurozone crisis,” said Prime Minister Robert Fico. Similarly, head of the parliamentary constitutional committee Róbert Madej claimed that “in this semester the National Council has the difficult task of saving financial stability and guaranteeing fiscal responsibility”.

Now, it’s not like parliament does nothing else but prepare financial contingency plans. Since the elections, MPs have passed legislation tightening the rules for breeding pandas and liberating the owners of small motorcycles from being obliged to have their licence plates illuminated. Just in the last month, parliament approved nearly 30 laws dealing with everything from mining to waste disposal. Letting homosexuals enter registered partnerships or even marry does not have any obvious economic implications (unless you’re afraid of God’s wrath, which should not be the case when you’re a socialist).

It’s clear that Smer simply does not want to help Angyalová and others in a similar situation. And unlike her, the party is not even ready to be honest about how it feels.

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