President Kiska calls for discussion on the rights of same-sex couples

The current legal system does not recognise same-sex couples in practical issues related to housing, health or inheritance.

Rainbow Pride Bratislava 2016Rainbow Pride Bratislava 2016 (Source: SME)

President Andrej Kiska is calling for a public discussion on the enactment of legal protection for same-sex couples after meeting representatives of the Inakosť initiative on Monday, December 11.

“The upshot of this [the discussion] should be the introduction of specific measures to do away with the greatest obstacles faced by them,” said Kiska in reference to LGBTI people, as cited by the TASR newswire.

SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement
SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement

Kiska is convinced that it would serve the public interest to ameliorate the needless obstacles and problems faced by LGBTI couples in their everyday lives.

SkryťTurn off ads

Read also: LGBTI people in the regions: We change people’s minds Read more 

“The legal system is often quite literally cruel to these couples in their normal personal affairs, for example, leaving them unable to act on some issues such as informing themselves about their partner’s health or in practical housing-related issues, inheritance, etc.,” said Kiska.

The president voiced his understanding that the issue stirred up heated emotions three years ago and invited hatred into society with respect to an invalid referendum on the family.

Read also: Referendum is invalid Read more 

“Unfortunately, this has resulted in the termination of any rational efforts to provide at least a minimal standard of legal protection for individuals living in relationships outside of wedlock,” said Kiska. “Of course, I’m talking about a standard that would respect the current valid constitutional protection extended to the institution of marriage.”

SkryťTurn off ads

The President urged society to return to a discussion that should be led in a humane fashion and in a climate of mutual respect.

Initiative head, Martin Macko, praised the interest displayed by the head of state on the LGBTI issue.

“LGBTI people have the same problems, values and joys as everyone else but with the additional burden that the state doesn’t grant any recognition to their relationships,” Macko pointed out.

Top stories

Two bear incidents over weekend, an effort to revive Bratislava calvary, and storks in Trnava.


Píšem or pišám?

"Do ľava," (to the left) I yelled, "Nie, do prava" (no, to the right), I gasped. "Dolšie," I screamed. "Nie, nie, horšie..." My Slovak girlfriend collapsed in laughter. Was it something I said?


Matthew J. Reynolds
Czech biochemist Jan Konvalinka.

Jan Konvalinka was expecting a pandemic before Covid-19 came along.


SkryťClose ad