About 10 thousand people took to the streets of the Slovak capital to declare the right to be themselves and demand changes in state policy. The action, titled "Courage to Be Yourself and Stand Up for Your Rights," was a response to growing political pressure on the LGBTQ community in the country.
The organizers of the event emphasize that the Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is increasingly resorting to anti-LGBT rhetoric. This comes amid recent legislative changes: last year, parliament passed constitutional amendments that significantly restrict the rights of same-sex couples and the LGBTQ community as a whole.
Slovakia chooses a conservative course
The head of the organizing committee of the Pride, Martin Makko, notes that in human rights issues, Slovakia is beginning to break out of the global trends of tolerance. According to him, the new constitutional amendments largely copy Hungarian legislation. Now the country does not officially recognize the possibility of marriage for people of the same sex, and also actually denies the existence of transgender people.
Such a policy is of serious concern not only to local activists, but also to European politicians. French MEP Melissa Camara, who took part in the march, said that attacks on the rights of minorities are often part of a broader attack on democratic institutions in general.
Safety and Remembrance
This year's march took place in conditions of increased security measures. The organizers decided not to disclose the exact route of the procession in advance, fearing possible provocations. Order on the streets was ensured by a significant police force, thanks to which the event ended without serious incidents.
A special place in the program was occupied by a ceremony in memory of those killed at the gay bar Tepláren. In October 2022, a tragedy occurred there: a supporter of far-right views shot two people. The participants of the pride honored their memory, reminding them of the consequences of hatred in society.
Two different views on the family
On the same day as the Pride, another action took place in Bratislava – a march of conservative organizations in defense of traditional values. Its participants came out under the slogans "Mom and dad forever" and "Marriage protects children."
Despite the difference in views, the pride participants insist on the need for dialogue. One of the participants in the march noted that the level of homophobia in the country remains high, so it is important for the community to demonstrate its presence in the public space. "We are here, and we can stand up for ourselves," was the main message of this day.
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