In its bid to gain European Union membership, the predominantly Muslim country of Albania is voting on legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. The measure is expected to pass.
To qualify for EU membership, a country must adhere to certain policies including non-discrimination against gays and lesbians. Although EU member states must not discriminate, only the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Sweden have marriage equality. Others, such as Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg and Great Britain have forms of civil union.
If the law passes, Albania would become the first predominantly Muslim country, the first in the Balkans and the first former communist nation with marriage equality.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the proposed law is a result of requests by LGBT groups and that it was necessary to stop discrimination against same couples.
— David Taffet