LGBT rights in Montenegro

LGBT rights in Montenegro
Location of  LGBT rights in Montenegro  (Green) in Europe  (Dark Grey)  —  [Legend]
Same-sex sexual activity legal?	Legal since 1977, age of consent equalized in 1977
Gender identity/expression	-
Military service	Gays and lesbians allowed to serve
Discrimination protections	Sexual orientation and gender identity (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationships	No recognition of same-sex relationships; same-sex marriage banned by the constitution
Adoption	-

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Montenegro may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Montenegro, but households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples.

Laws against homosexuality

Montenegro decriminalised homosexual sex in 1977 whilst it was SR Montenegro within SFR Yugoslavia. The age of consent (14) legislation was equalised in 1977. Homosexuals are not banned from military service.

Recognition of same-sex relationships

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. The constitution bans same-sex marriage.

On 13 November 2012, the Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic stated that the government will prepare the bill giving some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples.

Discrimination protections

On 27 July 2010, the Montenegrin Parliament passed a non-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited grounds of discrimination. This was one of the requirements the country had to meet for European Union membership.

Living conditions

Gays and lesbians may face discrimination and harassment in Montenegro. The gay scene is very small. Anti-gay attitudes are deeply ingrained.

See also

• Politics of Montenegro
• LGBT rights in Europe