Albania hailed for passing law against LGBT discrimination

TIRANA, Feb. 15 – Human Rights Watch hailed Albania for passing a law recently banning discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The law covers employment, housing, provision of goods and services, education and access to public places. It also specifically mentions health care, banking, transportation, entertainment and social protection.
Human Rights Watch, an independent organization dedicated to defending and protecting human rights, sent a letter of congratulations to top Albanian officials.
“We wish to commend you for the leadership you have shown by introducing this legislation which protects people in Albania from all sorts of discrimination including on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity,” they wrote in a letter sent to Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
It said that, “Ƣy introducing this broad anti-discrimination bill your government showed respect for Albanian civil society’s concerns. It represents a significant step toward making Albania an open society where all people can live freely without fear of unequal treatment.”