The vote, 42 in favour and 5 against, was the culmination of years of work and effort put in by local LGBTI networks, in constant dialogue with government and parliament. The new law will, for the first time, recognise and regulate the legal rights of same-sex couples.
Sergei Stanishev, PES President, said:
“The PES welcomes this decision led by our associated member parties in Montenegro. Once again, socialists and democrats in the Western Balkans are at the forefront of the fight for a fair, inclusive and European future.”
Camila Garfias, President of Rainbow Rose, the LGBTIQ organisation of PES, said
“This is a landmark occasion for the LGBTI community in Montenegro. The sense of history is not lost on those in the LGBTI community in neighbouring countries. They will be looking to Montenegro as an example, and I am proud that it was two social democrat parties that led the way and passed this bill. Yesterday was a great day for all Montenegrins.”
The PES was the first European political party to adopt a comprehensive LGBTIQ roadmap and, with its network Rainbow Rose, it was the first to implement a European party political LGBTIQ network. In the run up to the vote, Rainbow Rose wrote to every Member of Parliament from the DPS and SDP to urge them to vote in favour of the law.
Welcoming the result, the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović (DPS), said “A confirmation that our society is maturing, accepting and living the differences. Born free and equal in dignity and rights!” President’s comment here. The Prime Minister, Duško Marković, (DPS), said “Equality and same rights for all are the cornerstone of human and European values…There can be no room for discrimination based on sexual orientation in a European Montenegro.” Prime Minister’s comments here.
