The Albanian Parliament approved the widely debated and contested gender equality draft law on Thursday with 77 votes in favor and 36 against.
Earlier in the day, representatives of religious communities protested in front of the Parliament, opposing the draft law. According to organizer Akil Pano, the law is “criminal” and against traditional family values.
Protesters carried banners with messages such as “Marriage: man and woman,” “There are only two genders: male and female,” and “Mother is a woman,” expressing their opposition to the law, which they claim undermines the traditional Albanian family.
Concerns were also raised about provisions that could influence children’s understanding of gender and sexuality, as protesters argue that certain articles promote ideological influence on school curricula.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s request to establish an investigative commission for the dismissal of President Bajram Begaj was rejected with 77 votes. This vote effectively halts the procedure to remove President Begaj from office.
