A bill on “family values and the protection of minors” that would severely restrict LGBTQ rights has been approved by Georgian MPs in its third and final reading.
After being first proposed earlier this year by Georgian Dream, the ruling populist party, the bill was finally passed on Tuesday.
Gender-affirming healthcare, prohibitions on same-sex weddings, adoptions by same-sex couples, public support of LGBTQ+ relationships and individuals, and media portrayals of these groups are all included.
This includes banning rainbow flags from public spaces and Pride-related events, as well as removing them from motion pictures and literary works.
Georgian Dream leaders argue that the nation’s historic moral norms need to be protected, which is why the law is needed.
The bill, which also reiterates the prohibition on same-sex marriage and outlaws gender reassignment surgery, according to Tamara Jakeli, director of the advocacy group Tbilisi Pride, will probably force her organisation to collapse.
“This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBTQ community in Georgia,” Jakeli, 28, told Reuters. “We will most likely have to shut down. There is no way for us to continue functioning.”
In Georgia, there is a lot of controversy around LGBT rights. Opinion polls indicate that people generally disapprove of same-sex couples, and Pride marches frequently face physical attacks. The nation’s constitution forbids same-sex unions as well.
However, it has been claimed that President Salome Zourabichvili has stated she will veto the law. However, the government and its supporters possess sufficient seats in the legislature to override her veto.
Georgia has followed Russia’s lead in passing the bill, even though Tbilisi wants to join the EU. As October approaches, the ruling government seems to be moving back towards Russia.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli