Georgian parliament speaker signs law curbing LGBT rights

Ex-Soviet state adopts ‘LGBT propaganda’ law

Associated Press

Georgian parliament speaker signs anti-LGBTQ law after president refuses to sign it

Georgian parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday signed into law a controversial "family values" bill that allegedly curtails LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

This comes a day after Pre. Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of the governing Georgian Dream party, "refused to sign the bill [into law] and returned to parliament without vetoing it."

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Reuters

The legislation, introduced by the ruling party, bans gender transition, same-sex marriages, adoptions by non-heterosexual couples, and public depiction of LGBTQ+ relations and people in the media.

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Newsweek

It defines marriage as a voluntary union of men and women for family creation and declares May 17 a day of family "sanctity" and "respect for parents."

Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire businessman and former Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili, remains the most popular single party in the country.

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The passage of this law follows the adoption of a "foreign influence" law earlier this year, which requires media and nongovernmental organizations to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they secure over 20% of their funding from overseas.

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The new law, introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, bans gender transitions, same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples, and public endorsement of LGBTQ+ relations and people in the media.

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Critics argue that the legislation mirrors similar laws adopted in neighboring Russia and is an attempt by Georgian Dream to boost support among conservative voters ahead of the October 26 parliamentary election.

The law has drawn criticism from Western countries and human rights advocates, who view it as part of a turn towards authoritarianism and alignment with Russia in a country that had previously leaned towards the West since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Georgian Dream, founded by the country's richest man, remains the most popular single party against a divided opposition, though it has lost ground since 2020 when it won almost 50% of the vote.

The passage of this law follows the adoption of a "foreign influence" law earlier this year, which requires media and nongovernmental organizations to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad, further straining Georgia's relations with the West.

This anti-LGBTQ+ law further marginalizes an already vulnerable community and could lead to increased violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. It's a cynical attempt by the ruling party to shore up support among conservative groups at the expense of human rights and Georgia's European aspirations.

Georgia Enacts Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Russia

Legislation

Freedom & human rights

Georgia

The law protects traditional Georgian values and the rights of all citizens. It's based on common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian and European principles. The legislation ensures that freedom of expression doesn't violate others' rights, which is the essence of true democracy.

Voice of America

Georgian parliament speaker signs anti-LGBTQ+ law after president refuses to

This legislation further marginalizes an already vulnerable community and could lead to increased violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. It's a cynical attempt by the ruling party to shore up support among conservative groups voters ahead of the Oct. 26 parliamentary election at the expense of human rights.

OHCHR

Georgia Call Rescind New Anti Lgbtiq La

There's a 42% chance that the Georgian Dream party will win a majority of seats in Georgia's 2024 parliamentary elections, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Republic of Georgia Enacts Contentious LGBTQ+ Law

Republic of Georgia Enacts ControversialContentious Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

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