Gay Guide Slovakia

The age of consent is generally 15 years, homosexuality is not illegal. In 2004, the Foreign Minister demanded a guarantee that neither registered partnerships nor gay and lesbian marriages of other EU countries had to be recognised in Slovakia. Nevertheless, there are anti-discrimination laws in Slovakia and, since 2013, there also is a law that allows to punish perpertrators more severely if someone becomes a victim of a hate crime based on sexual orientation. In 2014, Parliament passed a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage and defining marriage exclusively between men and women. Public opinion on gay issues has changed positively in recent years. The gay scene is developing slowly but steadily, especially in the capital Bratislava. The city also offers a fantastically restored old town and an impressive castle high above the Danube. Bratislava also hosts the annual Dúhový Pride Parade - in its first year, 2010, it had to be cancelled due to counter-demonstrations and violent attacks. Slovakia is a mountainous country with many deep valleys, medieval towns and thermal springs. The High Tatras offer not only great landscapes but also excellent opportunities for skiers and mountaineers.