Election campaign warning over LGBTI stigma in Bosnia

Observed annually on 17 May, IDAHOT Day marks the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The occasion is now recognised in more than 130 countries to highlight rights violations and encourage social inclusion.

The ministry noted that whilst the state has enacted both the Law on Gender Equality and the Anti-Discrimination Law to foster an inclusive society, LGBTI individuals across the country are still routinely denied fundamental rights, including access to healthcare and the right to family life.

Official concern is growing over a rise in hostile rhetoric and irresponsible commentary from political figures, alongside a broader lack of public understanding regarding the challenges the community faces. According to the ministry, such discourse actively fuels prejudice, hatred, and violence.

In its statement, the ministry appealed to politicians to reject divisive rhetoric during the election cycle and to focus instead on promoting social inclusion. It stressed that LGBTI individuals constitute a significant proportion of the electorate, referencing a 2023 Ipsos survey which found that an average of 8.14 per cent of adults in Europe identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.