Draft law on gender equality/ICNFSH raises concerns

2025-09-23 18:00:00, Aktualitet CNA

Religious communities in Albania value the importance of equality in social inclusion and non-discrimination, because this reflects the equality of dignity that all people have before God.

Based on these principles and based on its statutory rights, the Interreligious Council of Albania, composed of the five religious communities (Muslim Community of Albania, Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, Catholic Church in Albania, World Bektashi Patriarchate, Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania), after being acquainted with the draft law "On Gender Equality", convened today, September 23, 2025, the Presidency Board, together with a working group approved by the five religious communities, composed of specialists and experts from various fields.

The heads and leaders of all religious communities expressed their concern about several articles and definitions of the draft law, which contradict the theological principles and tradition of the Albanian family. In particular, the definition of the term “gender”, as an inclusive concept, the use of the notions, “gender identity”, “gender expression”, as well as all other articles related to them, create legal uncertainties and room for misinterpretation.

"We, as religious communities, emphasize the importance of the traditional family based on the two biological sexes: man and woman. For this reason, we request the clarification of the definition of the term "Gender" in the draft law, clearly linking it to the sex determined at birth - man, woman, girl, boy - in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

Religious communities have always supported Albania's efforts to align its legislation with European Union directives. Traditional recognition of the two genders does not constitute an obstacle to this process – a fact that is also reflected in the practices of most EU member states, which continue to use a binary definition of man–woman.

With the desire that these concerns be taken into consideration by the responsible institutions, we reaffirm our commitment to dialogue and cooperation in building a just, equal and safe society for the new generations, based on faith in God and respect for the law.

May God bless Albania and all its citizens!

Presidency Board of the Interreligious Council of Albania

Haxhi Bujar Spahiu, Chairman of the Muslim Community of Albania

His Beatitude, John, Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania

His Eminence Gjergj Meta, President of the Episcopal Conference of Albania

Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, World Grandfather of the Bektashi Grandfathership

Pastor Ergest Biti, President of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania," the reaction reads./ CNA