Gays in the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro have begun preparations for their first gay pride parade planned for May 31, but with some trepidation, reports AFP.
Even within the generally conservative Balkan countries Montenegro stands out as particularly hostile to gays. Its own minister for minorities said he was insulted that they were lumped together with ethnic minorities.
In a highly patriarchal society, the latest surveys show that 70 percent of Montenegrins still consider homosexuality an illness, while 80 percent believe it should be kept private.
Prime Minister Luksic has formally supported the gay pride parade, saying that “by allowing the people to walk we will show that we are civilized,” but also said he preferred to have a kind of general human rights march rather then focusing on the LGBT community.
