Slovenia

In Slovenia the age of consent is 15 years. The gay-lesbian movement has a long tradition here: in 1984 the first non-governmental organization "Magnus" was founded. In the same year the film festival in Ljubljana, with the same name, showing gay-lesbian films which has become an institution. This early commitment, which continued after the country gained independence in 1991 is a contradiction of the standpoint of the general public regarding homosexuality. Although the Slovenians are generally held to be tolerant and progressive, homophobia regularly emerges and many prominent people continue to hide their homosexuality. Public opinion is changing slowly. A contribution to this change is made by the annual Pride Parade. In June 2005 the Law on Registered Same-Sex Partnership was passed. This law covers so-called property relations only, and includes the right/obligation to support socially weaker partner and only partly inheritance rights. It does not bring any rights in the area of social security (social and health insurance, pension rights), and it does not give the next of kin status to the partners. Since joining the EU, this small country with its alpine landscape and middle European culture, has started attracting many tourists. From the fantastic mountains to the impressive Adrian coastline, everywhere is very close to the capital city Ljubljana which has a lot to offer with its cultural diversity.