During the proceeding upon complaints against MPs Aleksandar Martinovic stating discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, the Commissioner for Protection Equality Brankica Jankovic has made the conclusion suspending the proceeding due to the existing parliamentary immunity, prescribed under Article 103 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia.

Regardless of suspension of the proceeding, the Commissioner appeals to members of parliament (MPs) as well as all other state officials and public authorities’ representatives to be aware of the role they play in promoting of equality and tolerance. MPs must be aware of the weight of the spoken word and particular responsibility they bear, and it is unacceptable to publicly present discriminatory, insulting and disparaging attitudes. The constitutional and legal duty of MPs and other officials is to respect general prohibition of discrimination.

In this very case the complaint was filed against a person who is protected for the spoken word with the immunity. This was the motive for Commissioner Jankovic to communicate with the president of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, recommending for future amendments to the Rules of Conduct of the National Assembly of Serbia, and to the Code of Conduct of the Members of Parliament, to include provisions guaranteeing respect of the principle of non-discrimination when speaking in the Parliament and introducing disciplinary responsibility for disrespect. This would contribute to combating discrimination and improving equality, which is one of the priorities of Serbia, the Commissioner concludes.