New Law on Family Values and LGBTQ Rights Passed in Georgia
The Georgian parliament has passed a controversial law aimed at restricting **LGBTQ rights**, under the banner of “family values and the protection of minors.” On Tuesday, lawmakers approved the third and final reading of the bill, which was first introduced by the ruling populist party, Georgian Dream, earlier this year.
Key Provisions of the Law
The legislation includes several strict measures, including:
– Banning same-sex marriages**
– Prohibiting adoption by same-sex couples
– Outlawing gender-affirming care
– Censoring public endorsement of LGBTQ+ individuals and relations
– Banning Pride events and public displays of the rainbow flag
The law also introduces strict censorship, extending to depictions of LGBTQ individuals in films and books.
Justification from the Government
The Georgian Dream party argues that the law is necessary to **preserve traditional moral standards** in Georgia. According to party leaders, the legislation will protect the nation’s “family values” and safeguard minors from what they consider harmful influences.
Reaction from the LGBTQ Community
Tamara Jakeli, director of Tbilisi Pride, described the new law as a devastating blow to the country’s LGBTQ+ community. She expressed concerns that the law would likely force her organization to cease operations, stating, “This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBTQ community in Georgia.”
Opposition from the President
Despite the bill’s passage, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has publicly opposed the law and has promised to **veto** it. However, the government, along with its allies, holds enough seats in parliament to overturn her veto.
A Step Towards Russia, Away from the EU
This law aligns Georgia with **Russia’s** conservative stance on LGBTQ rights, despite Georgia’s stated aspirations to join the **European Union**. The move has raised concerns that Georgia may be pivoting towards Russia ahead of October’s election.