The Iași Metropolitan Cathedral, founded in 1833, is the largest Orthodox church in Romania. Photo: Wikimedia

The Iași Metropolitan Cathedral, founded in 1833, is the largest Orthodox church in Romania. Photo: Wikimedia

BUCHAREST, Romania — The Romanian Orthodox Church says it supports an initiative to change Romania’s constitution to specify that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The statement comes amid concerns from some that the conservative East European nation will align with other EU nations and permit gay marriage. Romania currently does not recognize marriages between people of the same sex.

The church, to which more than 85 percent of Romanians belong, said Friday it supports a recent proposal made by the Family Coalition to amend one article in the constitution referring to marriage.

The MozaiQ Association, which supports gay minority rights, has accused the church of meddling in secular matters.

The constitution, last revised in 2003, says marriage is between “partners” without specifying gender. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2001.

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