First (unofficial) same-sex marriage in Albania
25 May 2024
On 19 May, a lesbian couple got religiously married on the rooftop of the municipality of Tirana building. The ceremony was conducted by two priests from the UK, as no Albanian clergy agreed to officiate. By getting married, the couple aims to challenge the Albanian family code, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, despite the constitution stating that everyone has the right to marry.
They have applied to have their marriage recognised in the civil registry, though it is likely to be denied. Their act has sparked criticism across society, including from the Albanian catholic church, which has explicitly stated that same-sex marriage is unnatural and completely forbidden.
 | Ariadna Mañé Discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community persists in Albania and across the Balkans, heavily influenced by homophobic religious organisations. The struggle for rights remains an uphill battle against the institutions and many sectors of society. Currently, across the region, Montenegro and Croatia recognise same-sex civil unions, while Slovenia has legalised same-sex marriage. A story like this brings hope. The municipal building allowed for the ceremony to happen, and more and more people are publicly supporting marriage equality. Conservative (Balkan) societies are strong, but not unswayable. |
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