Georgia's Ruling Party Pushes Anti-LGBT+ Legislation, Echoing Russia's Laws

On June 4, the ruling Georgian Dream party submitted a controversial package of laws to parliament, aimed at restricting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT+) individuals. The legislative package, titled 'Protection of Family Values and Minors,' includes 18 related amendments to various laws, including those on labor and education.

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced that the legislative package will undergo its first hearing in the spring parliamentary session and is expected to be adopted in the fall session. He emphasized that the public would have the opportunity to participate in discussions on the proposal.

The proposed legislation includes several measures that have sparked concern among human rights activists and the LGBT+ community. These measures include banning same-sex marriage, prohibiting adoption by non-heterosexual couples, restricting gender reassignment surgery, and banning 'LGBT propaganda' in education and the media. Additionally, public gatherings promoting same-sex relationships would not be allowed.

Papuashvili referenced the May 17 celebration of the Day of Purity of the Family and Respect for Parents, claiming that hundreds of thousands of people across Georgia celebrated in the streets, which he referred to as a 'public referendum.' He also stated, 'The constitution only provides for marriage between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages should therefore be excluded by law.'

Why this matters: This legislation has broader implications for human rights and freedoms in Georgia and could set a dangerous precedent for other countries. If passed, it could lead to further discrimination and marginalization of the LGBT+ community, potentially sparking widespread protests and international condemnation.

Critics argue that the legislative package is an attempt to distract from the country's economic problems and shore up support among conservative voters ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October. The opposition has accused the ruling party of using the bill to appeal to conservative values and divert attention from pressing economic issues.

The European Union and the United States have expressed concerns about Georgia's political direction, particularly following the recent adoption of a 'foreign agents' law that critics see as Russian-inspired and repressive. The EU has warned that such moves could jeopardize Georgia's chances of joining the bloc.

Georgia, a predominantly Orthodox Christian nation, has a conservative society where polls show a large majority disapproving of same-sex relationships. LGBTQ+ events in Tbilisi have often been accompanied by massive counter-demonstrations, sometimes turning violent.

The proposed legislation is reminiscent of Russia's anti-LGBT+ laws, which have been used to restrict LGBT+ rights and freedoms. The legislative package's adoption could have significant implications for the LGBT+ community in Georgia, which has already faced discrimination and marginalization.

As Georgia moves forward with this legislative package, the international community will be closely watching the developments and their impact on human rights and freedoms in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia's ruling party submits anti-LGBT+ bill to parliament, restricting rights and freedoms.
• Bill bans same-sex marriage, adoption, and "LGBT propaganda" in education and media.
• Legislation could lead to further discrimination and marginalization of LGBT+ community.
• EU and US express concerns, warning it could jeopardize Georgia's EU membership bid.
• Bill's adoption could set a dangerous precedent for other countries, sparking international condemnation.