A same-sex couple held a private civil partnership ceremony at Tirana City Hall, sparking significant controversy despite the ceremony having no legal standing.
The Orthodox Church of Albania issued a statement expressing its strong disapproval:
“Regarding the same-sex ‘marriage’ performed at the Municipality of Tirana on May 19, 2024, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania maintains the position previously stated in January 2024:
It is well known that the perpetuation of humanity has been based on the existence of two sexes and their union.
No culture, religion, or system of laws (Solon, Plato, etc.) has institutionalized homosexual cohabitation as marriage.
The unnatural does not become natural by legal decrees. On the contrary, such a law offends creation.
It is not social progress, but a conflict with the natural, downward order.
The Church is obliged to clearly articulate the concept and value of marriage, the importance of the family, and the birth of children in accordance with its sacred texts and centuries-old tradition, as declared in the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016.”
The statement reflects the Church’s adherence to its traditional teachings on marriage and family, highlighting a fundamental clash between religious beliefs and the evolving social norms regarding same-sex relationships.
