A same-sex couple recently held a private civil partnership ceremony at Tirana City Hall, which has caused a stir despite lacking legal recognition.
The Orthodox Church of Albania has strongly denounced the ceremony, stating:
“In response to the same-sex ‘marriage’ that took place at Tirana City Hall on May 19, 2024, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania reiterates its stance from January 2024:
Throughout history, humanity has relied on the union of two sexes for its continuation.
No culture, religion, or legal system (including Solon, Plato, etc.) has ever considered homosexual cohabitation as marriage.
Legalizing the unnatural does not make it natural. In fact, such laws go against the natural order of creation.
This is not progress but a deviation from the natural order.
The Church is obligated to uphold the sanctity of marriage, the importance of family, and the procreation of children in line with its sacred texts and longstanding traditions, as affirmed by the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016.”
This statement underscores the Church’s commitment to its traditional views on marriage and family, highlighting the conflict between religious beliefs and changing societal attitudes towards same-sex relationships.