On this page, you will find:
Legal Framework
Albania has been a parliamentary democracy since 1991 and, with the repealing of Article 137 of the old Criminal Code, same-sex relations have been legal since 1995.
Albania is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, whose court jurisprudence provides implicit protection to LGBTI individuals under Article 8: The right to a private and family life.
In 2010 the Albanian parliament passed its own provisions against discrimination with Law no. 10 221 dated 4.2.2010.
Article 1 implemented the principle of ‘equality in connection with gender […] gender identity, sexual orientation […] or for any other reason.’
Article 11 allows for positive actions ‘speeding up the real establishment of equality’.
In addition to the protection offered under the European Convention on Human Rights, Articles 1 and 11 to Albania’s Law no. 10 221 dated 4.2.2010 (listed above) provide protection for transgender persons.
For more detailed information on the protection of LGBTQI+ rights in Albania, visit the Albania ILGA World Database.
‘While the Albanian parliament decriminalised homosexual relations in 1995, more than a decade later gays and lesbians are still heavily stigmatised, and a majority hide their sexual orientation, fearing that if it is discovered their safety will be endangered.’ (Balkan Insight)
Publications on the subject from the Australian Government Migration Review Tribunal, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Peace Corps Alumni, The Danish Institute for Human Rights and The Council of Europe suggest that homophobia is common in Albanian society, including the police.
More time is needed to properly assess the enforcement of Law no. 10 221, though the homophobia exhibited by the police force will limit its potential for protection as long as it remains a problem.
As reported in the Balkan Insight: In October 2011 Albania’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner reprimanded ruling Democratic Party MP, Tritian Shehu, for saying in parliament that ‘homosexuality is a disease and should be treated with hormones,’ in December 2010.
We have not found any relevant case law at this time but welcome suggestions.
Organisations supporting LGBTQI+ individuals
Project Manager: Amarildo Fecanji
Web: www.pinkembassy.al & www.pinkembassy.blogspot.com
Email: communitypink@gmail.com
Tel: +35542265741
Mob: +355672075335
Pink Embassy aims to advocate for the rights and needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual (LGBT) community and people still uncertain of their sexual orientation (Questioning), that they be fully respected and their needs and concerns are appropriately addressed. Pink Embassy aims to improve the attitude and behaviour of the Albanian government and society towards LGBT community individuals and issues, as well as the total integration of this community into the Albanian social, economic and political life. The website is available in English and Albanian and refugees from abroad are welcome.
Manager: Saimir Hoxha
Website: www.gay.al
Email: info@gay.al
Gay.al is Albania’s biggest gay community website and offers a forum for advice and personal stories. The website is available in Albanian and English and is useful for LGBTI persons originating from other countries
Country of Origin experts in LGBTQI+ rights
We do not currently have any specialists on LGBTQI issues in Albania, but we welcome suggestions.
Albania Legal Assistance
Find organisations providing legal assistance to refugees in Albania.
Albania COI
Find Albania Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated May 2023
