LGBT rights in Kosovo
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Kosovo have improved in recent years, most notably with the adoption of the new Constitution, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.[4] Kosovo remains one of the few Muslim-majority countries that hold regular pride parades.[5]
LGBT rights in Kosovo | |
---|---|
Status | Legal since 1858 when part of the Ottoman Empire, again in 1994 as part of Yugoslavia[1] |
Gender identity | Transgender people not permitted to change legal gender |
Military | Gay, lesbian and bisexual people allowed to serve openly |
Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation constitutional and statutory protections (see below) |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | No recognition |
Adoption | Any single person allowed to adopt[2][3] |
The Government of Kosovo is supportive of the country's LGBT community.[6] In late 2013, the Parliament Assembly passed a bill to create a coordinating group for the LGBT community.[7] On 17 May 2014, well-known politicians and diplomats, including British Ambassador Ian Cliff and several local LGBT organizations took to the streets of Pristina to march against homophobia.[8][9] The event was welcomed by the European Union office in Kosovo,[10] as well as by the government itself. A large LGBT flag covered the front side of the government building that night.[11][12][13]