Hate speech directed at sex and gender minorities in addresses to Parliament and the Croatian public was used by government officials at a session of the Gender Equality Committee, and by parliamentary deputies during a debate on a bill on registered partnership, said Sanja Juras, the coordinator of Kontra.
Representatives of the two associations also objected to Children Ombudswoman Mila Jelavic saying in the press shortly after she came into office that she did not agree with the possibility of a same-sex couple adopting a child.
If one of the partners in a same-sex union has a child, and the other partner is being denied the right to adopt the child, the child will be deprived of the rights enjoyed by other children in common law marriages, such as the right to inheritance, social security, support, etc., said Juras.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community has noted progress in the active role of the Office of the Ombudswoman for Gender Equality, as well as the amendment of the Penal Code to include also hate crime.
Positive trends are also visible in an increased number of reports about violence and discrimination against members of sex and gender minorities, who are more and more frequently reporting cases of violation of their rights.
The two associations said that their future activities would focus on a campaign to change the Same-Sex Partnership Act, which they say had failed to offer sufficient legal aid.