Will Kosovo legalize partnerships as the first Muslim country? // source: Young Shanahan, Flickr.comKosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Germany, where he was a guest of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the reunion of his SPD organization before the upcoming elections to the European Parliament. The biggest media interest was the message of Balkan policy declaring the establishment of partnerships in the close future. Even in a Muslim country, will this equal law happen faster than in Poland? What is the situation in neighbouring hostile Serbia?
Currently in the Balkans, partnerships are legalized in Croatia and Montenegro. In Slovenia, it is even possible to marry a individual of the same sex. However, 2 different factors play an crucial function in Kosovo. Firstly, the country is under constant force from its northern neighbour, Serbia, who considers it its territory. In addition, the state with its capital in Belgrade is higher than the another European countries, which could have a negative impact on the improvement of partnerships in an area which Serbia considers to be its own. Kosovo is mostly inhabited by the Muslim population, unfavorably looking at the legalization of the partnerships. According to a survey by LGBTI ERA, they are supported by only 20% of the population.
Kosovo is simply a territory disputed between the Serbs and the Albanians partially recognized as a country on the global stage. Since 2008, it has its own flag and emblem. At this point, as a state, Kosovo is recognized by 98 countries worldwide, but is not a associate of the UN. It is besides not recognised by all countries of the European Union. However, on December 15, 2022, it submitted an authoritative candidacy to the community. The road to the EU seems very far away, but there is an organisation that would definitely welcome Kosovo more. This is the Council of Europe. The basic criterion for joining is "acceptance of the regulation of law and the protection of human rights". The recently adopted associate State must besides ratify the European Convention on Human Rights within 1 year of its accession. Prime Minister Albin Kurti would so like to bring his country closer to RE by introducing partnerships. erstwhile Kosovo becomes a possible member, it creates a field for wider designation of the state internationally. As early as 2022, the centre-left group of Prime Minister Kurti attempted to push through the law allowing single-sex couples to enter into unions, but then there were no adequate votes in the parliament. Now the politician says he can convince the 11 deputies needed to get the majority on this issue. The government itself has already supported the Law on Partnerships. Since 2016, an equality parade has been held regularly on the streets of Pristina.
East vs. West
Two ideas have long clashed in the territory of Kosovo – the western one, which is simply a kind of creator of the independent state of Kosovo, and the east one, standing on the another side of the barricade, against its existence. To this day on the streets of the capital – Pristina, you can see many American flags expressing gratitude for the anticipation of an independent state and opposition to the Serbs. This fight has changed many aspects of the lives of the people of this country. It is no different in the case of partnerships, although it should besides be mentioned in this respect that over 90% of the population of Kosovo are Muslims. The fresh equality law could become another mark for the supporters of the Serbian solution supported by Russia. In March, Prime Minister Kurti called on the European Union to give Kosovo candidate status, as it had done respective months earlier in relation to Ukraine. During the Euroatlantic integration conference in Pristina, he compared Serbia to Russia and stated that "The West must take care of Serbia as it did with Russia".
Serbian ostracism
The situation is completely different for LGBT+ people in Serbia. Gay contacts were legalized in 1994, and in 2006 the age of consent between same-sex people was aligned with heterosexual relations, which is 14 years old. The first equality parade was held in Belgrade in 2001, but it was brutally attacked by nationalists and skinheads. 3 years later, for fear of akin events, the march was cancelled. In 2007, another effort was made, hoping for a peaceful transition to manifestation. But it ended almost identical to six years earlier. This time, however, the organisers have addressed authoritative complaints to the authorities and the European Commission. In Serbia homosexuals are excluded from military service due to their orientation. There is no way to apply for asylum in this country due to sexual harassment. Even the reverse is happening – Serbs and Serbs apply for asylum in another countries. To this day, any homosexual writings can only be purchased via the Internet, as stationary pressrooms do not have the courage to sale them. For fear of aggressive behaviour in Serbia there is only 1 openly gay club.
The Kosovo-Serbian conflict affects all aspect of social life. Any decision, even within 1 of the parties, may have serious consequences for the further improvement of the dispute. This is no different for partnerships. Everything indicates that Kosovo will proceed to push towards the West and Serbia in a completely different direction. The question is whether the other, the stronger side will let the first to decision on. Most important, however, that average people seeking happiness in their love choices should not endure from this conflict.
Mr Filip STACHOWIC
