A protest took place in Albania against the draft law “On Gender Equality,” which is scheduled for discussion in today’s parliamentary session. Dozens of citizens and activists gathered in front of the plenary hall of the Albanian Parliament as the session began.

Holding banners with slogans such as “The draft law on gender equality is anti-family,” “There are only two genders: male and female,” “Deputies, your vote today will go down in history,” “Freedom of faith is at risk,” “We demand a referendum” and “Albanians against gender education in schools,” protesters urged parliamentarians not to pass the draft law.

Notably, some banners displayed images of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with messages such as “Mr. President, Albania needs your help,” and “Mr. President, the people of Albania need your help,”. 

The protest included representatives from all religious communities, citizens, journalists, activists, and conservative groups who support the family and believe it is the foundation of society.

The protest was organized by the Albanian Pro Life & Family Coalition, who in recent weeks have opposed several articles of the draft law in question. According to the organizers, the draft law “On Gender Equality” is an “anti-national, anti-family, and anti-child law that goes against Albanian tradition and culture.”

The founder of the Coalition, Rev. Akil Pano, claims that the draft law leaves room for the misuse of concepts related to gender, opens the door for more than two genders, teaches children that there are more than two genders, and imposes sanctions on businesses and individuals who may discriminate against LGBT people or address them without using gender-sensitive language.

The draft law has stirred debate in Albania, after initially defining gender in an inclusive manner.

Under the new proposed amendments, “gender” is described as the roles shaped by social context—the behaviors, activities, and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for women and men.

The final version of the law is expected to be approved today by the Albanian Parliament, following discussions in the plenary session.