Progress on LGBTQ equality has been slow in Montenegro, but progress is being made.

Back in July 2020, the country decided to allow same-sex civil partnerships. Under the Montenegro law, this gives same-sex couples similar rights to opposite-sex couples, although it doesn't include the right to adopt or foster children.

Now, a year after the law was passed, Montenegro has registered its first same-sex civil partnership - two women became the first couple to benefit from the change in law, holding their ceremony in the town of Budva.

One of the challenges that LGBTQ people in Montenegro face is that the country remains socially conservative. The constitution of Montenegro explicitly bans same-sex marriage - a provision that was introduced in 2007.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Montenegro?

While Montenegro is a socially conservative country, there has been slow but steady progress for LGBTQ people living there.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1977 – the age of consent was also equalised at this time.

There are anti-discrimination and hate-crime protections in place, but it’s believed that discrimination or harassment often goes unreported.

Religion plays a big part in the day-to-day life of people in Montenegro. The Serbian Orthodox Church plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion.

The first LGBTQ Pride event in Montenegro was held in 2013. There have been small Pride events held in subsequent years which appear to encounter little opposition or criticism.

Things seem to be slowly getting better in Montenegro.