The Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania (VUSH) has reacted to the decision to provide hormone therapy for transgender individuals through the country’s public healthcare system. In its statement, VUSH emphasized that family is at the center of its faith and biblical values.

The organization further stated that it believes the protection of the family, as recognized by tradition and Albanian legislation, remains a fundamental value for society. VUSH expressed concern that the traditional family is being undermined through recent initiatives and developments.

The Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania also stated that it does not support any action that harms the development and proper governance of what it describes as the fundamental institution of human society in the Albanian nation.

“As the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania, we are following developments regarding gender equality and, most recently, the hormone therapy that is expected to be permitted at the University Hospital Center ‘Mother Teresa’ (QSUT). Family is at the core of our faith and the biblical values we represent. We believe that protecting the family, as understood by the Bible, Albanian tradition, and Albanian legislation, remains a fundamental value for our society.

The Holy Christian Scriptures teach that there is only one God who is the Creator and Lord of all. No one can truly know themselves without truly knowing the One who created us. Our true identity, as male and female, is given by God. It is not only foolish but also hopeless to try to make ourselves into something that God did not create us to be. We emphasize that we fully support the equality and dignity of every human being, men and women alike, created in the image of God.

We share the concern that the traditional family is being challenged through these initiatives and recent developments. Supporting the family and the values of the traditional family—consisting of a man and a woman—as recognized by the Family Code of the Republic of Albania, gives every Albanian citizen the right to publicly express and defend these views.

Pastor Akil Pano has been a well-known voice in support of the traditional family and its values, contributing for years to spiritual, social, and community life. We express our support for Pastor Akil Pano and his family in the face of hostile public rhetoric, personal attacks, and attempts at stigmatization, which harm not only the individual but also any pastor or clergy member carrying out their duties.

The Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania does not support any action that undermines the development and proper governance of the fundamental institution of human society in our Albanian nation.

The Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania opposes any form of propaganda that seeks to denigrate and destroy the institution of the family in our nation.

We call on the public to maintain maturity, respect, and responsibility in communication, while protecting the dignity of the family, the role of pastors in society, and the right of every individual to express their beliefs peacefully and with dignity,” the statement said.

For the first time in Albania’s public healthcare system, hormone therapy for transgender individuals will be provided. A directive issued by the Ministry of Health sets out the medical criteria, clinical procedures, and monitoring requirements for hormone therapy, which will be offered at QSUT and funded through public resources.

The protocol provides treatment for adults as well as adolescents aged 16 and over, when approved by medical professionals and with the consent of their families.

The Ministry of Health’s order, approved on April 28 and signed by Deputy Minister Eugena Tomini, aims to address this issue.