Montenegro Becomes First Balkan State to Legalize Gay Civil Unions

Pravoslavie ^ | 7/2/20

[marshmallow]

With a 42-5 vote in Parliament on Wednesday, Montenegro became the first European country outside Western Europe and the EU to legalize gay civil partnerships.

The new bill gives same-sex couples equal rights to traditional couples except for the right to adopt children, reports euronews.

The move was hailed by the nation’s top authorities and the LGBT community.

“By adopting the Law on Same Sex Life Partnership, Montenegro is for the first time regulating the legal rights of same-sex couples!” President Milo Đukanović tweeted.

“A confirmation that our society is maturing, accepting and living the differences. Born free and equal in dignity and rights!” reads a second tweet.

For his part, Prime Minister Duško Marković tweeted: “I welcome the adoption of the Law on Same Sex Life Partnership in Montenegro Parliament! A great step in the right direction for MNE society, its democratic maturity & integration processes. Equality & same rights for all are the cornerstone of human and European values. I want to thank the #LGBTIQ community for dialogue and contribution.”

[Dr. Sivana]

I’m not sure how Nero Wolfe would have taken it. From his perspective, I suspect he would be relived they did not apply the word “marriage” to this bad joke.

[Meatspace]

You would think that the people in the Balkins would balk at gay marriage.

[aposiopetic]

The bill was initially rejected last August, facing staunch resistance from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church. Montenegrin authorities are now seeking to confiscate Serbian Church properties and are actively harassing and persecuting Orthodox hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laymen throughout the country.

Prayers are warranted.

[Verginius Rufus]

Montenegro has applied for admission to the European Union. It is a very drawn-out process. Possibly they were given to believe that legalizing gay "marriage" was necessary, or very desirable, for them to complete the process and be admitted.

For a relatively poor country (better off than Albania or Bosnia as far as per capita GDP, but behind Croatia and Slovenia), it may seem worthwhile to become a member of the EU.

[DIRTYSECRET]

Doesn’t it REALLY matter? Come on.

[DIRTYSECRET]

Doesn’t it REALLY matter? Come on.

[Flavious_Maximus]

It’s part of the stipulation to joining the EU and obtaining aid (but instead they’ll get foreign AIDs).

[dfwgator]

Turn in your Slav card, Montenegro.

[Rurudyne]

Lining up to be the next on the Romans 1:18-32 bandwagon to Hell I see...

[Bob434]

ok citizens of Montenegro- get ready to have pissy lgbt people running and ruining your lives from now on-

[robowombat]

I am not trying to be funny. Montenegro, according to what I have read, was at one time a center of Bogomil activity. This strange heretical flourished about 1000 years ago in the Balkans embraced queer sex as better than normal. Permanent male/male unions outside regular matrimony were praiseworthy . The tradition has gone underground but there are still adherents in the more remote areas of Montenegro, Serbia and Bulgaria.