Statement: Minister Jelena Žarić Kovačević’s remarks confirm the continuation of discrimination against same-sex couples

Following the statement by the Minister for Family Welfare and Demography, Jelena Žarić Kovačević, made in Niš at a round table on amendments to the Family Law, that the draft amendments do not provide for the introduction of same-sex marriage, the Association Da se zna! strongly condemns this position, which we consider unacceptable and discriminatory.

We remind that Serbia, as a member of the Council of Europe, has been obliged since 2015 to ensure legal regulation of same-sex unions, in accordance with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. Despite this clear obligation, the Republic of Serbia continues to refuse to adopt a law that would guarantee same-sex couples basic rights and legal security, thereby continuously violating international standards and its own commitments.

It is particularly problematic and hypocritical that representatives of the authorities, including the Minister, invoke European Union standards in other segments of the Family Law amendments, while simultaneously ignoring those same standards when it comes to the rights of LGBT+ persons. The European Union and the Council of Europe clearly emphasize the need for legal recognition of same-sex unions as a minimum standard of human rights protection, which the authorities in Serbia persistently refuse to implement.

Through such statements and policies, the Minister and the Government of the Republic of Serbia continue to institutionally discriminate against same-sex couples, denying them the right to family life, legal protection, and dignity.

The association Da se zna! calls on the competent institutions to immediately begin the process of adopting a Law on Same-Sex Unions, in accordance with Serbia’s international obligations, and to cease the practice of selectively applying European standards.

Human rights are not a matter of political will – they are an obligation.

Association Da se zna!