Georgian parliament speaker signs law curbing LGBT rights
NBCOCT 12 2024
The Republic of Georgia's 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 Pres. Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of the governing Georgian Dream party, "refused to sign the bill [into law] and returned to parliament without vetoing it."
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.
The law protects traditional Georgian values and the rights of all citizens. It's based on common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old cultural norms. The legislation ensures that freedom of expression doesn't violate others' rights, which is the essence of true democracy.
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 voters ahead of the Oct. 26 parliamentary election at the expense of human rights.