IDAHO 2015: Respect for difference leading value of Montenegro’s multiethnic and multicultural society, DPM Marković says

Budva, Montenegro (10 May 2015) – "Respect for difference and tolerance towards convictions of all social stakeholders is the leading value of Montenegro’s multiethnic and multicultural society. Equality of LGBTI people before the law is undeniable and the Government of Montenegro will resolutely fight against discrimination of LGBT persons at all levels, including the implementation of stricter punishment policy," Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković told the press conference on the occasion of the Third International IDAHO Ministerial Forum 2015, which will be opened in Budva on Moday.

DPM Marković commented on the distinctive policy the Government of Montenegro has been pursuing in the area of safety of LGBT people and their inclusion in all spheres of social life.

He particularly emphasised the government's determination to deal with prejudices against LGBT persons, both individual and institutional, not only because Montenegro has to meet the requirements deriving from the country’s membership in international organisations, but because it seeks for cultural change and better life as well.

"In recent years, we have worked hard to create a social and legislative environment willing to accept LGBT people. We are recognised as leaders in the region, and we provide the highest quality access to knowledge in terms of learning about standards in this field, for which we are grateful to our reliable and sustainable partners," Deputy Prime Minister Marković told the press late this afternoon in Budva.

Media representatives were also addessed today by Advisor to Montenegro’s Prime Minister Jovan Kojičić, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands Jet Bussemaker, Minister of Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties of Malta Helena Dalli and Swedish Minister of Culture and Democracy Alice Bah Kuhnke.

Following the press conference, the host of IDAHO Forum 2014 - Swedish Minister Alice Bah Kuhnke and Malta’s Minister Helena Dalli, handed over the IDAHO Forum flag to the 2015 host - Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković.

Photo and video materials from the press conference and the ceremony of handing over of the IDAHO 2015 flag can be found at IDAHO Forum 2015 web page.