LGBT rights in Slovakia
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Slovakia face a multitude of legal and social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
LGBT rights in Slovakia | |
|---|---|
Location of Slovakia (dark green) – in Europe (light green & dark grey) | |
| Status | Legal since 1962 as part of Czechoslovakia, age of consent equalized in 1990 |
| Gender identity | Legal gender change possible in theory |
| Military | Allowed to serve openly |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity protections since 2002 (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Limited cohabitation rights |
| Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned |
| Adoption | Single LGBT person may adopt |
Same-sex sexual activity was made legal in Czechoslovakia in 1962. Despite this, same-sex couples are granted limited legal rights. The country does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. Today, the country, compared to its neighbour, the Czech Republic, holds more conservative views on LGBT rights.
Slovakia possesses comprehensive anti-discrimination laws covering sexual orientation and gender identity, in areas such as employment, goods and services, education and health services. Hate crimes and hate speech are criminal.
Opinion polls have shown highly fluctuating trends in support for same-sex marriage and civil unions. In 2019, polls showed either 29% or 57% of Slovaks support civil unions. A poll after the 2022 Bratislava terrorist attack showed only 40% support civil unions.
Transgender people in Slovakia experience difficulty in accessing healthcare, and a complete lack of regulation in legal gender change makes the process highly individual and difficult.