Georgian politicians have approved a law that would impose severe restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, sparking widespread concern among the community and its allies.
The law, touted as protecting “family values and the protection of minors,” would grant authorities the power to ban Pride events, public displays of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag, and censor films and books deemed objectionable.
The director of Tbilisi Pride, Tamara Jakeli, expressed her dismay, saying, “This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBT community in Georgia. We will most likely have to shut down. There is no way for us to continue functioning.”
The law also bans gender transition, adoption by gay and transgender people, and nullifies same-sex marriages performed abroad on Georgian territory.
The ruling Georgian Dream party claims the law is necessary to safeguard “traditional moral standards” in Georgia, where the influential Orthodox Church holds significant sway. However, President Salome Zourabichvili has signaled her intention to block the bill, although Georgian Dream and its allies possess enough parliamentary seats to override her veto.
This development comes amidst a fraught political climate, with LGBTQ+ rights becoming a central issue in the upcoming October 26 election. Georgian Dream, seeking a fourth term, has intensified its anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, deepening ties with Russia while straining relations with Western nations.
The European Union has warned that the law’s adoption will have significant repercussions on Georgia’s European integration path and strain EU-Georgia relations.
Key Concerns:
– Restrictions on LGBTQ+ Events: Pride events and public displays of the rainbow flag may be banned.
– Censorship: Films and books deemed objectionable may be censored.
– Gender Transition and Adoption: Gender transition and adoption by gay and transgender people are prohibited.
– Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriages performed abroad on Georgian territory are nullified.
The international community is watching closely as Georgia navigates this critical juncture in its history.
