The religious communities in Albania recognize the importance of equality in social inclusion and non-discrimination, as it reflects the equality of dignity that all human beings share before God.
Based on these principles and in accordance with its statutory rights, the Interreligious Council of Albania, composed of five religious communities (the Muslim Community of Albania, the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, the Catholic Church in Albania, the World Bektashi Headquarters, and the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania), after reviewing the draft law “On Gender Equality”, convened today, on September 23, 2025, the Presidency Board, together with a working group approved by the five religious communities, consisting of specialists and experts from various fields.
The leaders and heads of all religious communities expressed their concern regarding certain articles and definitions of the draft law, which they consider to conflict with theological principles and the tradition of the Albanian family. In particular, the definition of the term “gender” as an all-encompassing concept, the use of notions such as “gender identity” and “gender expression”, as well as all other related provisions, create legal ambiguities and room for misinterpretation.
As religious communities, they emphasize the importance of the traditional family, founded upon the two biological sexes: male and female. For this reason, they request a clear specification of the term “gender” in the draft law, linking it explicitly to the sex determined at birth —man, woman, boy, or girl —in line with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The religious communities have consistently supported Albania’s efforts to harmonize its legislation with the European Union’s directives. The traditional recognition of the two sexes does not constitute an obstacle to this process, a fact reflected in the practices of the majority of EU member states, which continue to employ the binary definition of male and female.
The Presidency Board of the Interreligious Council of Albania
- Haxhi Bujar Spahiu, President of the Muslim Community of Albania
- Archbishop Ioannis of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
- Bishop Gjergj Meta, President of the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Albania
- Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, World Leader of the Bektashi Headquarters
- Pastor Ergest Biti, President of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
