Albania

Albania has made significant strides in advancing legal protections for LGBTIQ individuals, though societal acceptance remains limited. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1995, with an equal age of consent for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation set at 14.

In 2010, the Parliament unanimously adopted the Law on Protection from Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education, goods and services, health care, and housing. The law provides for the appointment of a Commissioner whose role includes reviewing complaints. Albania also has an Ombudsperson for human rights whose role includes monitoring and reporting on the human rights of LGBTI people.   In 2013, the Albanian Parliament amended the criminal code to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity. The same year, the Parliament passed a new law making the dissemination of homophobic information a crime. While these provisions have been in place for more than ten years, the public response to hate crimes, including investigations and the enforcement of protections, has been inadequate. 

Neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions are recognized, and the Family Code defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Adoption rights are limited as well, with joint adoption unavailable to same-sex couples, though single individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, may adopt. There is no available procedure for allowing the change of legal gender markers. Trans people must travel out of the country for gender-affirming health care. 

According to the Global Acceptance Index, Albania ranks 155th out of 175 countries in public acceptance of LGBTI people.

*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.