Georgian lawmakers have approved the final reading of a law titled “Family Values and the Protection of Minors,” which imposes significant restrictions on LGBTQ rights.
The bill, introduced earlier this year by the ruling populist party, Georgian Dream, was passed on Tuesday. It includes bans on same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, public endorsements of LGBTQ+ relationships, and representation in media. Additionally, it prohibits Pride events and public displays of the rainbow flag, as well as censoring LGBTQ+ content in films and literature.
Georgian Dream leaders argue that the law is essential for maintaining traditional moral standards in the country. Tamara Jakeli, director of Tbilisi Pride, expressed grave concern, stating that the legislation, which reaffirms an existing ban on same-sex marriage and prohibits gender reassignment surgery, could force her organization to shut down. “This law is the worst thing to happen to the LGBTQ community in Georgia,” Jakeli told Reuters. “We will most likely have to close. There is no way for us to continue functioning.”
LGBTQ rights are a contentious issue in Georgia, where polls reveal widespread disapproval of same-sex relationships and Pride marches frequently face violent opposition.
The constitution already prohibits same-sex marriage. Although President Salome Zourabichvili has announced her intention to block the bill, the government and its allies have enough parliamentary seats to override her veto.
With this law, Georgia appears to be aligning more closely with Russia as the October elections approach, despite the country’s aspirations to join the European Union.
