Budva, Montenegro, July 27, 2021
Photo: blogspot.com
Montenegro became the first European country outside Western Europe and the EU to legalize gay civil partnerships last July.
The relevant law was approved by only 42 of the 81 Parliamentarian Deputies, led by the previous coalition that was also known for persecuting the Orthodox Church and which was voted out of power last summer. The move was part of reforms needed to move closer to EU membership.
The leading bloc in the current ruling coalition opposed the legislation.
Nevertheless, on Sunday, the first gay civil union was officially registered in Montenegro, in the coastal city of Budva, where Montenegros’ first Gay Pride Parade was held in 2013 under heavy police protection, reports Radio Free Europe.
Both of the given women live abroad but have Montenegrin roots. According to the law adopted last year, they are afforded equal rights to true spouses, except the right to adopt children.
Despite the law, the issue remains highly contentious in the tiny Balkan country where the majority of citizens are Orthodox Christians. Surveys have shown that 71% of citizens view homosexuality as an illness, and 50% see it as a danger to society, reports Balkan Insight.
Of course, the Orthodox Church is entirely against homosexuality and the legalization of sinful lifestyles.
The Parliament of Montenegro “deified what is sin, what gives birth to death, and what does not give birth to life,” His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro said following the vote last summer.
He also characterized the law as the debasement of human nature and persecution of Christ.
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