LGBT

Kosovo Considers Legalizing Same-Sex Unions

MAY 23 2024·Updated MAY 24 2024

Story

Above: People march during Kosovo's fifth annual Pride Parade on July 1, 2021 in Pristina, Kosovo. Image credit: Ferdi Limani/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

Kosovo may soon become the first Muslim-majority country to legalize same-sex marriages.
US News & World Report
Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said that Kosovo will strive to become the second country in the Western Balkans to guarantee its citizens "the right to a same-sex life partnership."
IntelliNews
According to Kosovo's constitution, marriage is a universal right, but laws must be passed to regulate the unions.
Reuters
In 2022, Kosovo's parliament rejected a bill that would allow same-sex civil unions, despite Kurti urging the lawmaker to pass the legislation because "rights belong to us, they belong to everyone."
EuroNews
Though support for legalizing same-sex unions is on the rise, it remains largely unpopular, with a 2023 survey claiming only 20% of Kosovars support legalizing same-sex marriages.
Euractiv

Sources Split

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The Spin

Conservative narrative

Though it may be a progressive step, it's unlikely that same-sex unions will be legalized in Kosovo any time soon. A similar proposal in 2022 failed, and public support for the cause is still meager.

Euractiv

Progressive narrative

Kosovo should legalize same-sex unions and do more to protect its LGBTQ+ population, which is treated as second-class citizens and faces increased discrimination. The law needs to change, and so do societal opinions and behaviors.