(Above photo in the public domain.)
A small coalition party in Albania says it considers homosexuality a “vice, misfortune and curse” and supports its leader who allegedly said gays should be beaten up if they go ahead with plans for the first public gay pride celebrations in May.
The Legality Movement Party turned down a call from the ombudsman who urged party leader Ekrem Spahiu, the country’s deputy defense minister, to issue a quick apology over his alleged comments. The party said in a statement Saturday that “sexual deviation” damages traditional values.
The gay community, which will celebrate International Day Against Homophobia in Tirana on May 17, has sought Spahiu’s prosecution under anti-discrimination laws.
Albania legalized same-sex civil weddings in 2009.
