Georgia’s Parliament Passes Law Restricting LGBTQ+ Rights
Georgia’s parliament recently approved a controversial law that focuses on “family values and the protection of minors,” leading to restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The law allows authorities to ban Pride events, public displays of the LGBTQ+ flag, and media censorship, drawing comparisons to similar laws in Russia.
Key Points of the Bill
The ruling Georgian Dream party voted in favor of the legislation, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional moral values in a predominantly Christian country. Critics fear the impact on LGBTQ+ organizations like Tbilisi Pride, with the director suggesting possible closure due to the restrictive nature of the law.
International Concerns
Georgia’s recent foreign agents law, among other controversial regulations, has sparked protests and drawn criticism from the EU and the US. The move also raises concerns about Georgia’s potential EU membership, with Brussels warning that these laws could hinder the country’s accession to the bloc.
Despite opposition from President Salome Zourabichvili, Georgian Dream’s parliamentary support is likely to override any veto, signaling a challenging road ahead for LGBTQ+ advocacy in Georgia.
sdi/rmt (AFP, Reuters, AP)