Georgia: In a move that has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, international bodies, and domestic opposition, Georgia’s parliament has approved a sweeping law curbing LGBTQ rights under the guise of protecting “family values and the protection of minors.” The bill, which passed its third and final reading on Tuesday, has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ groups, the European Union, and Georgia’s own President Salome Zourabichvili, who has vowed to veto it. However, the governing Georgian Dream party and its allies control enough parliamentary seats to override her veto.
The legislation restates an existing constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and imposes additional restrictions, including prohibitions on gender reassignment surgery, adoptions by gay and transgender individuals, and the public display of LGBTQ symbols, such as the rainbow flag. It also introduces censorship measures targeting LGBTQ-themed films and literature.
Leaders of Georgian Dream, led by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, have framed the law as necessary to preserve traditional moral standards in a country where the Orthodox Church holds significant sway. The bill is part of the party’s broader strategy as it campaigns for a fourth consecutive term in the upcoming October 26 elections, in which opposition to LGBTQ rights has become a central theme.
Tamara Jakeli, the director of Tbilisi Pride, warned that the law could force LGBTQ advocacy groups in Georgia to cease operations. “This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBT community in Georgia,” Jakeli said, suggesting that her organization might have to shut down entirely.
While the bill is popular among conservative sections of Georgian society, it has put the country’s EU aspirations in jeopardy. The European Union, which has long been critical of the Georgian Dream party’s drift toward more authoritarian measures, condemned the law and warned that its adoption would have “important repercussions” on Georgia’s European integration. The EU, which has already expressed concerns over Georgia’s deepening ties with Russia, stated that this development would place additional strain on EU-Georgia relations.
Georgia has seen a significant rise in violence against LGBTQ individuals in recent years, particularly during the annual Pride marches, which have been met with physical attacks by anti-LGBTQ protestors. Many fear that the new law will further embolden homophobic elements within the country, while isolating Georgia from the international community.
President Zourabichvili, who holds a largely ceremonial role but retains veto power, has been a vocal critic of the governing party’s direction and its closer ties to Russia. However, with the parliamentary majority controlled by Georgian Dream, her veto is likely to be overridden.
