Association

Civil society organisations must register with the Interior Ministry while foundations face a double registration requirement, having to also register with the central body in the field of their operation. Experts in the sector have encouraged Slovakia to ensure registration is carried out by the courts in order to avoid political influence. Some financial restrictions are imposed on civil society. For instance, associations undertaking economic activities pay up to 40% income tax while foundations are prevented from undertaking operational activities, and limited to grant-making activities only. Same-sex partnerships are not recognised and a referendum on LGBTI matters was declared void after a less than 50% voter turnout. In September this year, human rights activist, Alena Krempaská, who is a member of the Human Rights Institute was attacked and sustained head injuries for alleged links to the social democratic party. She had been verbally threatened prior to this attack.