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Tag: Croatia

  • Croatia Same-Sex Vote Goes Against Same-Sex Marriage

    Croatians are strong Catholics, which might account for the majority vote against same-sex marriage in Zagreb, Croatia. This was a victory for Catholic Church-backed conservatives in the European Union’s newest nation.

    The state electoral commission, citing near complete results, said 65 percent of those who voted answered “yes” to the referendum question: “Do you agree that marriage is matrimony between a man and a woman?” About 34 percent voted no.

    This vote will influence their constitution, which will include the vote to ban gay marriage in this country. Although the majority voted against gay marriage, the percentage that voted for it has divided Croatia. The referendum is an infringement on basic human rights, as referenced by gay marriage supporters.

    Obviously, right-wing conservatives are strong in Croatia, which is suffering a deep economic crisis with unemployed widespread.

    This country of 4.4 million has taken steps to improve gay rights, but issues such as same-sex marriage remain highly sensitive. The group responsible for the referendum was put into place by “In the Name of the Family” where Croatian government would allow gay couples register as “life partners.”

    But, since 90 percent of Croatians are Roman Catholic, they followed the church’s strong suggestion. Such as, “Marriage is the only union enabling procreation,” Croatian Cardinal Josip Bozanic said in his message to the followers. “This is the key difference between a marriage and other unions.”

    Even the liberal president of Croatia, Ivo Josipovic, said he voted against amending the constitution. “The referendum result must not be the reason for new divisions,” Josipovic said. “We have serious economic and social problems. It’s not worth it to focus on such issues.”

    Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said “this is the last referendum that gives a chance to the majority to strip a minority of its rights.”

    Hundreds of gay rights supporters marched in Zagreb on Saturday asking for a “no” vote.

    “I will vote against because I think that the referendum is not a festival of democracy, but a festival of oppression against a minority, which fights for its rights and which does not have its rights,” Jura Matulic, a university student, said.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Croatia Same-Sex Vote Denies Marriage Equality

    Marriage Equality has been a hot topic in the United States, as more and more states pass legislation allowing marriage between same-sex couples. Illinois is the most recent state to join the crusade, legalizing marriage for all couples looking to have the state recognize their love for one another. It is important to remember, however, that even as progressive legislation makes itself known in America, there are many other places where couples are still struggling for the right to have their love recognized as legitimate in the eyes of their government. Croatia is just one such example of this world-wide struggle.

    In a vote that took place today, 26.75 percent of the Croation voting populous voted in favor of the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. The question for the poll was phrased as, “Do you agree that marriage is matrimony between a man and a woman?” 65 percent of the voters were in favor of this definition, while about 34 percent voted against it. The poll’s overwhelming majority vote means that marriage between same-sex couples will be banned, due to an amendment set to be added to the nation’s constitution. Talk of a government bill that would allow same-sex couples to register as “life partners” sparked fear in conservative groups that seems to have lead to this vote.

    The poll and impending amendment have divided the Croatian people, with hundreds of gay rights and marriage equality supporters gathering in the nation’s capital, Zagreb, to protest against the poll and legislation. Liberal groups have also said that the referendum’s question “infringes on basic human rights.” The “yes” vote has been strongly endorsed by the Catholic church, however, and with 90 percent of the Croatian population identifying as Roman Catholic, it comes as no surprise that the vote leaned in favor of “traditional” marriage. A church-backed group known as “In The Name Of The Family” collected over 700,000 signatures in favor of the “yes” vote.

    This story does not end on a hopeless note, however. Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said that the vote was “sad and senseless,” and voiced the hope that this would be the last vote on such matters. The general mind set towards LGBTQ individuals in Croatia is also growing to be more positive and progressive; gay rights marches are held regularly (under heavy security) and individuals are facing less and less fear about “coming out” to their families and friends. Hopefully, this progressive attitude can continue, even in the face of this referendum, and create a positive environment for LGBTQ Croatians.

    [Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.]

  • Monika Jakisic 131002; Heating Up With George

    Rumor has it that George Clooney has been spending time lately with the famous Croatian model, Monika Jakisic, after his recent split from Stacy Keibler. George and Monika have known each other since 2004 where reports claim they dated on-and-off during that period.

    Monika is based in London, which is where the pair supposedly reconnected. Both apparently bumped into each other at a night club over the summer and have been in contact ever since.

    According to Us magazine, Monika is currently visiting Los Angeles and was spotted leaving George Clooney’s L.A. home on September 25, which has prompted the rumors to spread. Though neither pair have commented on their rumored reunited relationship, Monika has previously spoken about George.

    “Every time, I’ve been out with George—he’s always passionately talked to me about the humanitarian crisis raging in the area even if we’ve been partying,” Monika Jakisic said.

    Monika is known as “The Croatian Sensation” and has been a supermodel since being introduced into the career back in the nineties. She is also a host of the television program, Born In Croatia. Though she currently resides in London there is no mention on whether the long distance will deter the relationship. Distance was cited as a factor in the eventual break-up between George Clooney and his last girlfriend, Stacy Keibler.

    Fifty-two-year-old George is known to bring his girlfriend’s to socialize with his close friends. Monika posted a picture of herself enjoying time on a yacht with George’s dear friend, Rande Gerber, and Rande’s famous supermodel wife, Cindy Crawford.

    Perhaps what has caused the rumors to spread the most is Monika’s own tweet on September 25th, the day she was spotted leaving George’s house.

    [Images Via Monika Jakisic’s Facebook Page]