The Economist slams Slovakia in gay marriage referendum

Regarding Slovakia's upcoming public referendum on the legal definition of family, the news magazine The Economist appeared critical of Slovakia's social conservatism in a web-based report, writing that, "BILLIONS of euros [sic], dollars, pounds, kroner and other Western currencies have been spent over the past two decades trying to develop civil society in post-communist Central and Eastern Europe, much of it without success". The article goes on to explain the upcoming referendum which has been organised by the Christian-backed organisation Alliance for Family (AZR), which garnered 400,000 signatures; enough to push forward with a nationwide referendum. After rejecting one question, Slovak President Andrej Kiska approved the referendum to go ahead in early February. The questions which will be asked in the referendum are: Do you agree that only a bond between one man and one woman can be called marriage? Do you agree that same-sex couples should not be allowed to adopt and raise children? Do you agree that schools cannot require children to participate in sex education or euthanasia education if their parents don't agree? The Economist predicts that, due to the influence of the church in Slovakia, a voter turnout of more than 50% is probable. The group behind the referendum believes that banning same-sex marriage, banning same-sex couples from raising children, and placing restrictions on sex education is in the best interests of children. The article also writes that Slovakia had the most abandoned children of 22 European Union countries, according to a 2012 survey. The referendum will take place on February 7, 2015 however it will not be legally binding.