Albania is preparing for a historic change in its Gender Equality Law. The government has submitted a new bill to Parliament that introduces an inclusive definition of gender, moving beyond the traditional categories of “male” and “female.”

According to the draft law:

“Gender has an inclusive meaning in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination regarding gender identity and gender expression.”

This would give individuals the right to declare the gender with which they identify, making Albania one of the first countries in the region to officially recognize more than two genders.

The bill is backed by the ruling Socialist Party, which holds a majority in Parliament, making its approval highly likely.

However, Albania’s religious communities have strongly criticized the government’s push. Religious leaders argue that the move clashes with national traditions and values, noting that even some EU member states officially recognize only two genders.

The proposal has sparked heated public debate and is quickly becoming one of the country’s most controversial political issues.