Gay Guide Bosnia and Herzegovina

The age of consent is 14 years - for hetero- and homosexual acts, which have been legal since 1996. In addition, a law on gender equality was passed at the beginning of 2003. A new anti-discrimination law was passed in 2010, but it is relatively unclear what is meant by the term "sexual expression". Since July 2016, sexual orientation and identity are explicitly mentioned in the law and are now subject of legal protection. In September 2008 the "Queer Sarajevo Festival" took place - at least eight people were injured in riots at the end of the first day. Iggy Pop then cancelled his concert in Sarajevo. Before the event, posters with the inscription "Death to gays" appeared all over the city and had to be removed by the police. Since the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, the formerly multicultural Sarajevo is now home to a predominantly muslim population. Two well-known Imams had publicly condemned the "Queer Sarajevo Festival", but had not called for violent attacks. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only Balkan state apart from Macedonia in which no Pride event has yet taken place. However, the Merlinka Film Festival for LGBT films is held annually in Sarajevo - in 2014 there was also a homophobic incident here, whereupon the festival was placed under police protection. According to a 2017 survey, only 13% of respondents support gay marriage.

Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Location: Southeast Europe
Initials: BIH
International country code: 387 (omit 0 from area code)
International access code: 00
Language: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
Currency: Convertible Mark (KM) = 100 Feninga
Population: 3,834,000
Capital: Sarajevo
Religions: 45% Muslim, 36% Serbian-Orthodox, 15% Catholic
Climate: A mix of Mediterranean and Central European climate and is more or less agreeable year round.

Top Hotels

Küstenperle Strandhotel & Spa

The Küstenperle opened in summer 2017 directly on Büsum's Perlebucht bay, with a sweeping view of the dike and the sea. The modern-maritime beach hotel & spa offers guests an attractive all-round package: 93 rooms and suites, seven vacation apartments, the restaurant "Deichperle", the bar "Schneiders", a library and the spacious wellness and spa area leave no wishes unfulfilled. more

Hotel Villa Carlotta

An heavenly retreat in the most panoramic area of Taormina, Hotel Villa Carlotta was built in 1860 for a local aristocratic family. With magnificent views across the sea and of Mount Etna, enchanting gardens, excellent Sicilian dining and an outdoor pool, this coastal idyll promises peace and exclusivity... more

Villa Ducale

Situated in an elevated position above Taormina, life in Hotel Villa Ducale revolves around its stunning terrace. From here you can enjoy the most wonderful views across the Taormina coastline and Mount Etna and relax over a gorgeous Sicilian buffet breakfast, created daily with only the freshest of produce... more