Same-sex wedding celebrations and legal disputes in Slovakia

Public figures in Slovakia have recently held wedding celebrations with their female partners despite the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriage in the country.

In late September, influencer Ema Lacová celebrated a wedding with partner Petra Staníková at a historic manor near Bratislava. Lacová described the event as a “classic” celebration involving a reception and the exchange of rings, though she noted that legal marriage for women is not possible in Slovakia.

In October, Lucia Plaváková, a Member of Parliament for Progressive Slovakia and Vice-President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, also married her long-term partner. Due to Slovak law, the ceremony took place in another country. Plaváková, an advocate for LGBTI+ and women's rights, shared that the day was filled with love and beauty shared with family and friends.

Following Plaváková’s wedding, Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the event, labeling it an “unconstitutional provocation.” Fico argued that the constitution defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, suggesting that any changes to this definition must be achieved through elections and constitutional amendments. Plaváková and the Progressive Slovakia party have rejected these claims, asserting that no laws or constitutional provisions were violated.

Legal challenges regarding marriage recognition are also escalating. Michal Sabo, an MP for Progressive Slovakia, announced that he and his husband are suing the state. Sabo alleges that the government has abused political power and violated their rights as European Union citizens by refusing to recognize their marriage, which was legally concluded in Austria. These legal actions focus on whether Slovakia is obligated to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other EU member states.