Centre for Civic Education (CCE) strongly condemns Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s decision to block the process of passing the draft Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity Based on Self-Determination and urges this draft law to be included on the agenda of the next Government session so it can be forwarded to the Montenegrin Parliament for further adoption. It is unacceptable that human rights, in this case, the rights of transgender persons, are being turned into a political bargaining chip. It is especially concerning that the rhetorically pro-European Government retreats in the face of retrograde political structures, all for the sake of maintaining political positions.
The Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity Based on Self-Determination is crucial for ensuring human rights of transgender people in Montenegro and must not be subject to corrupt political compromises. Decision-makers are obliged to ensure that all citizens can live with dignity and enjoy their full rights, including access to education, employment, healthcare, and personal documents that reflect their true identity. The law, which has been developed over eight years with the support of international partners, is aligned with European standards.
This sends a dangerous message that the Prime Minister, due to party calculations, is putting an entire segment of society at a disadvantage, directly threatening the values of human rights, justice, and fairness.
The Government of Montenegro and PM Spajić must recognize the seriousness of this issue. Delaying the adoption of the Law on Legal Recognition of Gender Identity Based on Self-Determination not only threatens the rights of the most vulnerable but also sends a clear message that the current Government is unwilling to fight for human rights and the democratic progress of the country. Montenegro must demonstrate political responsibility and adopt this legal text as soon as possible, failure to do so undermines Montenegro’s credibility as a partner of democratic EU states.
CCE calls on PM Spajić and all members of the Government to stop trading human rights and to make a final decision in the interest of all Montenegrin citizens, especially those affected by this law. Any further obstruction clearly demonstrates that the Government is abandoning a part of its citizens and prioritizing political appeasement of factions that hinder Montenegro’s progress toward European standards and its democratic path.
Petar Đukanović, Programme Director