Activist Kristi Pinderi has reacted to the recent political debate on gender equality and the Istanbul Convention, placing former Prime Minister Sali Berisha at the center of criticism - whom she considers the person who, at his insistence, first introduced the concept of gender identity into Albanian legislation.
In a public post, Pinderi emphasizes that the Istanbul Convention, ratified during the Berisha 2 government, not only defines gender on a man-woman basis, but also guarantees non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
He also recalls that the law on protection from discrimination, which again mentions gender identity, was also approved during the period when Sali Berisha led the government.
Excerpt from Kristi Pinder's reaction:
"The Istanbul Convention ratified during the Berisha 2 government... ensures non-discrimination on any basis, such as... sexual orientation, gender identity..."
"The Gender Equality Law uses the same language. The second time gender identity is mentioned is in the Law on Protection from Discrimination. This was also passed at the Doctor's insistence!"
“So, both times that Albania affirms the concept of gender identity in legislation… the person who insisted is Sali Berisha.”
"For these reasons, Berisha will be – intentionally or unintentionally – an eternal asterisk in the history of LGBT in Albania ✌️✌️"
Pinder's post came in response to the opposition's recent debates on draft laws and conventions addressing issues of equality and non-discrimination.
