LGBT rights in Montenegro

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. Households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples.

Legality of homosexuality
Montenegro decriminalised same-sex sexual activity in 1977. The age of consent (14) was also equalized in 1977.

Recognition of same-sex relationships
There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. The Constitution of Montenegro bans same-sex marriage.

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

Legal 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. Gays and lesbians are not banned from military service.

Social conditions
Gays and lesbians may face discrimination and harassment in Montenegro. Anti-gay attitudes are deeply ingrained.

Gay culture
The gay scene is very small. The First Gay Pride event in Montenegro was held on 24 July 2013 in the coastal town of Budva, and it has caused various reactions in public. On 20 October 2013, a Pride event took place in the capital city of Podgorica, where violent anti-gay protesters were arrested by police.