POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR LGBTI RIGHTS IN MONTENEGRO: DECLARATIVE, NOT REAL
Is political support for LGBTI rights in Montenegro just empty words? New research and expert opinions reveal that while politicians often claim to back LGBTI rights, real progress and visibility for LGBTI people in politics remain elusive.
Empty Promises, No Real Action
According to a study by the Center for Monitoring and Research (CeMI), support among political candidates for same-sex life partnership laws rose from 42.5% to 62.8%, and support for adoption rights by LGBTI individuals doubled from 16% to 35.9%. Yet, the implementation of these laws is lacking due to missing key regulations, and LGBTI rights are often ignored in everyday life, especially in healthcare and public services.
Lack of Visibility and Political Participation
A worrying absence of openly LGBTI politicians exists, with 55.1% of respondents seeing this as a barrier to progress. Political parties tend to use LGBTI rights as a political tool rather than genuinely including LGBTI people in political life.
Institutional Inertia and Social Homophobia
Montenegro has laws that formally protect LGBTI rights, such as anti-discrimination laws and life partnership laws, but their application is often symbolic. A new anti-discrimination law has been waiting for adoption for three years, and the law on legal gender recognition based on self-determination remains blocked by political decisions. Activists warn of institutional violence against trans people and deeply rooted homophobia and transphobia.
Media’s Role
Media often ignore events like pride parades or portray them negatively, allowing hate speech in comments without proper moderation, worsening the situation for the LGBTI community.
What’s Next?
Experts call for authentic political will, law adoption and implementation, public servant education, and greater visibility and representation of LGBTI people in politics. The fight for LGBTI rights is a fight for human rights for all of us. Will Montenegro move beyond empty declarations to real change? Feel free to share your thoughts — maybe you have the recipe for progress!
