Georgian Parliament Approves Law Severely Restricting LGBTQ+ Rights

The Georgian parliament has passed a law on “family values and the protection of minors,” introducing extensive restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights totally in the community. 

The legislation, which was approved on Tuesday, was proposed by the ruling populist party, Georgian Dream, and includes prohibitions on same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, and the public display or endorsement of LGBTQ+ symbols all related to the act. 

Pride events and depictions of LGBTQ+ relationships in media will also be censored under the new law.

 Supporters of the law argue that it is essential for upholding traditional moral values.

However, LGBTQ+ advocates, including Tamara Jakeli, director of Tbilisi Pride, have condemned the legislation.

“This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBTQ community in Georgia,” Jakeli told Reuters.

“We will most likely have to shut down. There is no way for us to continue functioning.” he stated.

 While Georgia’s President, Salome Zourabichvili, has expressed her intention to block the bill, the ruling government has enough support in parliament to override her veto.

The passage of this law reflects a broader trend in Georgia, as the country moves closer to Russia’s conservative policies despite its aspirations to join the European Union.