Romanian Orthodox Church: marriage only between man, woman

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 recognise marriages between people of the same sex.

The church, to which more than 85% of Romanians belong, said on 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 decriminalised in 2001.