The Ministry of Justice has implemented significant changes to the criminal law framework in order to enhance protection for the most vulnerable groups in society, according to Minister Bojan Božović.

During the roundtable “Is there justice in Montenegro for LGBTQI+?”, organized by the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN), he emphasized the importance of ensuring access to justice for the most at-risk categories.

Božović highlighted that human rights are an integral aspect of society, irrespective of the prevailing circumstances.

“In recent times, the Ministry of Justice has made substantial modifications to the criminal law framework and other legal areas, aiming to provide greater protection for the most vulnerable individuals,” stated Božović.

Additionally, he remarked that LGBTQI+ individuals require special attention in these discussions.

Božović noted that the rise of social media, freedom of the press, and the ease of content creation can sometimes produce adverse effects.

“I believe every effort to combat hate speech deserves our backing,” he added, stressing the need to align with trends set by the European Court of Human Rights and to continue educating those involved in these matters.

He expressed that the Government must persist in aligning laws and regulations concerning same-sex relationships, thereby establishing a legal environment that enhances the rights of these individuals.

Božović also mentioned his commitment to ensuring that penalties in the legal system effectively deter criminal behavior.

When asked about the process of adopting the Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity, he confirmed that the Ministry supports the Draft Law and that he would vote for it when presented to the relevant Government commission.

He acknowledged that social and political challenges faced at the end of last year and continuing today have delayed the law’s adoption.

“I believe it is only a matter of time before this law is passed,” Božović said.

Milka Tadić Mijović, President of the Center for Investigative Reporting of Montenegro (CIN-CG), emphasized the importance of ensuring access to justice for LGBTQI+ individuals during these turbulent times, which have considerably impacted the post-World War II order.

“In times when those who are different fear for their hard-won rights, we must pay attention to the shifts occurring around us,” Mijović Tadić remarked.

She asserted that it is their responsibility to band together to defend existing rights and secure new ones.

David Morgan, representative of the Canadian Embassy, stated that Canadian citizens recognize that engaged and empowered citizens strengthen democracy.

Morgan indicated that Canada continues to provide robust support to civil society organizations that are committed to the responsible and democratic advancement of the common good.

“We are gathered here today specifically to learn about access to justice and whether all equal members of Montenegrin society truly enjoy equal access, and if not, to understand why not and what we can do to ensure everyone has equal access to justice,” Morgan emphasized.

The roundtable on access to justice for LGBTQI+ individuals was organized by CIN-CG as part of the project “Improving the protection of the rights of the LGBTQI+ population and access to justice in Montenegro,” which is backed by Canada.

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