A wave of protests broke out in front of Albania’s Parliament on Thursday as hundreds of citizens rallied against the proposed Gender Equality Bill, denouncing it as an “anti-family” initiative that threatens traditional Albanian values.
The demonstration, organized by the “Albanian Coalition for Family and Life”, took place just hours before the start of the parliamentary session. Protesters held banners reading “MPs, don’t vote against our children,” “The gender equality bill is anti-family,” and “Hands off our children.”
Critics of the bill argue that its provisions — aimed at strengthening protections for gender minorities and advancing equality — undermine the traditional family structure and promote ideologies foreign to Albania’s cultural fabric.
Adding weight to the opposition, religious leaders from both the Muslim and Catholic communities voiced a rare joint stance against the legislation. During a meeting marking 35 years of religious freedom in Albania, Mufti of Shkodra Muhamed Sytari and Archbishop Giovanni Peragine expressed strong disapproval of the bill, calling on lawmakers to uphold the country’s traditional and moral foundations.
“Our joint declaration as faith communities takes precedence over any political stance,” said Mufti Sytari. “We hope the political class will respect Albania’s moral foundation and not betray the trust of its people for cynical interests that are not Albanian.”
Archbishop Peragine echoed this sentiment, warning that European integration must not come at the cost of national identity.
“We understand the importance of aligning with Europe, but integration must not mean losing our traditions and values of family and respect between man and woman,” he said. “We must preserve our Albanian identity.”
The proposed Gender Equality Bill is part of Albania’s broader EU-aligned reform agenda, intended to modernize anti-discrimination laws and strengthen women’s and minority rights. However, the backlash underscores deep social divides and the growing tension between traditional institutions and progressive reforms.
The government has yet to issue an official response to the protests, but the controversy suggests that Thursday’s parliamentary vote could face significant resistance both inside and outside the chamber.
