The Catholic Church in Albania has responded sharply to news reports that a marriage ceremony between two women took place yesterday at Tirana City Hall. In a statement released to the media, the Catholic Church emphasized that marriage between people of the same sex is unacceptable and categorically prohibited according to its doctrine. The statement follows the publication of a photo showing a person dressed as a Catholic cleric officiating the ceremony.
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| During the marriage of two gay girls in Tirana and a person dressed as a Catholic priest |
The spokesperson for the Catholic Church, Father Mark Pashkja, clarified in his statement:
"The Catholic Church in Albania wants to clarify to all believers and the general public that:
a) Based on the Doctrine, Tradition, and Magisterium of the Church, marriage between people of the same sex is unacceptable and categorically prohibited.
b) The allowance and publication of such ceremonies in state institutions are unacceptable as long as same-sex marriages are not legally approved in our country.
c) The person in the photo, although appearing externally dressed as a Catholic cleric, has no connection with the Catholic Church and does not represent anything of ours."
On the same day, the leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration (PL), Ilir Meta, reacted to the ceremony by accusing the government and accredited diplomats in Tirana of turning Albanian youth towards homosexuality.
These statements follow an event that has sparked intense debate in Albanian society, where issues of LGBTQ+ rights remain a sensitive and widely discussed topic. While Albania has made strides towards improving the rights of this community, same-sex marriage remains illegal, creating tensions between civil rights advocates and traditional religious institutions.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church has reiterated its unwavering stance against same-sex marriages, calling for respect for religious doctrine and tradition in Albania. Reactions to this event highlight the polarization of opinions in society and the ongoing challenges in implementing equality and human rights in the country.