THE PATRIOTISM law proposed by the Slovak National Party (SNS), which has provoked much controversy and criticism, in particular for its provision requiring the national anthem to be played in schools at the start of every week, will again be discussed by parliament.
Parliament passed the Patriotism Act on March 2 with 77 MPs out of 122 voting in favour of the proposal.
The law mandates that the Slovak national anthem be played at the opening of every session of the government, in national and regional parliaments, as well as at public municipal events and at schools.
The Patriotism Act was to become effective on April 1 but it was vetoed by President Ivan Gašparovič because of what he called “the inappropriate date of its effectiveness”.
It will now be reconsidered at the parliamentary session beginning on April 27, the last session at which parliament will vote on legislative proposals.
The Sme daily wrote that it is not clear whether MPs from Smer, the largest governing party, will vote again in support of the law or whether they will change their minds following widespread public opposition to it.
SNS leaders said they believe the veto would be overturned and that the law will be passed again and become effective on September 1, the date proposed by the president, who said he otherwise supported it.
