Zuzana Caputova might change the game for LGBTI people by legally recognizing same-sex unions
Liberal lawyer and LGBTI ally Zuzana Caputova has become the first-ever female president of Slovakia.
Caputova’s election breaks the trend that has seen populist, anti-EU politicians make gains across the continent. She is a founding member of Progressive Slovakia, a non-parliamentary socially liberal and progressive party.
The environmentalist and anti-corruption activist, who is relatively new to the world of politics, won about 58.3% of the votes. Her opponent, European commissioner Maros Sefcovic, took 41.7%.
Caputova also won the first round of the nation’s elections two weeks ago with 40.6% of the vote, with Sefcovic getting 18.7%.
The president-elect will take office in June 2019.
What does it mean for LGBTI people in Slovakia?
Her victory implies a significant step forward in LGBTI equality in Slovakia, where same-sex marriage and adoption aren’t yet legal.
Unlike her predecessors, Caputova has expressed her support for LGBTI issues.
She had previously supported legalizing registered partnerships for same-sex couples and addressed the possibility for LGBTI couples to adopt children.
She has been quoted as saying: ‘I prefer the child to have a biological mother and a biological father. If he were to grow up in institutional care, I think he’d be better off with two loving beings, even if they were of the same sex.’
Furthermore, she opposes a ban on abortion.
by Stefania Sarrubba
Source – Gay Star News
