A vote for the family

Over 400,000 inhabitants of Slovakia have expressed their will to protect the natural family by signing the petition for a referendum on this topic. The first signatures were collected by the Alliance for the Family (AFF) during the first months of 2014. Some observers viewed the initiative as foolish and uncoordinated from the start. Now – just a few hours away from the first referendum in the history of the country called on a citizens’ initiative – even sceptics have started to take it seriously. Danka Jaceckova, our correspondent from Bratislava, interviewed lawyer Anton Chromik from AFF on various aspects of the event due to take place on 7 February. Why did Alliance for the Family decide to initiate the discussion about the family on such an official and broad level? "AFF is currently supported by around 150 organizations, all of which have a rich experience in the area of help and support to families, children living in foster homes, single mothers, handicapped people, protection and promotion of human rights. The idea to initiate the referendum arose from our long-time observation of the social situation abroad, where registered partnerships were gradually transformed into the legalization of marriages and adoption of children by same-sex couples, and where people are punished for expressing their opinion. This is the scenario we want to avoid in our country." Which exact questions will be the subject to the referendum and why should the citizens cast "three YES votes", as you have been encouraging them to do in your campaign?"The questions are the following: Do you agree that no other form of partnership apart from the bond between one man and one woman could be called marriage? Do you agree that couples or groups of persons of the same sex should not be allowed to adopt children and raise them? Do you agree that schools should not require participation of children in courses on sexual behavior or euthanasia, if their parents or the children themselves do not agree with the content of such education? It’s important that people come to the referendum and express their opinion, no matter if it’s positive or negative. We recommend that they vote three times yes, because it’s natural that marriage can only be between a man and a woman, because children deserve to have both a mother and a father, because parents should be the first to decide about the values that are transmitted to their children." What support does the referendum have in various structures of civil society? What about the attitude of the Church, representatives of the state, or various lobby groups standing on the opposite side?"The referendum is supported by various structures, although many of them, unfortunately, failed to express a clear position in regard to recommendations for the citizens called to the polls. The lobby groups standing on the opposite side try to label the referendum as ‘polarizing’ the society and as ‘pointless’. But I need to say that these crucial questions unite Slovakia and – according to a survey recently published by Focus Research Agency – they enjoy the support of 89% among the citizens of Slovakia. Already now, before the referendum even takes place, most of our country structures, including all Churches and religious associations, agree with need to protect marriage as a unique bond between one man and one woman, complying with the rule that children naturally need both father and mother. The referendum has been clearly supported by the rabbi of Bratislava, while the Bishops’ conference has published a special pastoral letter on the occasion. All this has a great value." Your words sound optimistic, but the fact is that to the referendum’s validity requires the participation of at least 50% of all voters. Practically all plebiscites of this kind in the past failed on this one condition, except for once, regarding EU integration…"We are convinced that the referendum on protection of children and the family is already successful. Thanks to the campaign we were able to raise public awareness to initiate serious public discussion. People express their opinions in blogs, on the Internet discussions, at public events, and that’s what really counts. The survey conducted by Focus Agency is also positive. If enough voters participate in the referendum, we expect greater interest of people in the development of our society, awakening their conscience and their awareness on the fact that they are able to influence our common future. We also expect stronger legal protection of the natural family as the only suitable environment for children’s development." What if the participation of citizens does not reach the required 50% threshold?"Also in this case we will continue in our efforts to protect the family. It should be said that this topic is successful even if the referendum should not be valid. Its results definitely will not be in vain." How do you see the referendum in a wider context – in regard to further development and direction of all of Europe?"The referendum as a tool of direct democracy strengthens the foundations of the European Union, based on democracy. It offers hope that the citizens of European countries think and express their opinion in freedom, caring about the development of society. We believe that the success of our referendum will represent an encouragement also for other countries."