Georgia severely restricts gay rights

EU candidate in the Caucasus

Georgia severely restricts gay rights

Despite warnings from Brussels, Georgia has passed a law that is, among other things, against homosexuals. The ruling party “Georgian Dream” is further distancing the country in the Caucasus from the EU.

The parliament of the South Caucasus Republic of Georgia has dramatically restricted the rights of homosexuals and other sexual minorities. The law, introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, bans, among other things, same-sex marriage, the adoption of children by same-sex couples and gender reassignment. The law was passed with a clear majority, according to a statement from Parliament. The so-called propaganda for non-traditional relationships is also criminalized.

The draft law had already been criticized by the European Union in advance. The law “On family values ​​and the protection of minors” is expected to come into force after its publication, but President Salome Zurabishvili could still veto it. According to observers, this veto will only have a suspensive effect. In the past, Parliament has overcome vetoes with the necessary majority.

The law in Georgia is very similar to a Russian model. The rights of the LGBTQ+ community were also severely restricted there. The English abbreviation LGBTQ+ stands for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people and queer people, the plus sign for other identities.

In 2023, the European Union granted Georgia the status of an EU candidate country. After the parliament in Tbilisi passed a law targeting foreign funding of non-governmental organizations in May, relations with Brussels deteriorated. The adoption of the law was accompanied by massive protests.

Parliamentary elections will take place in Georgia at the end of October. The “Georgian Dream”, which has been in power since 2012, is aiming for a majority to change the constitution under the leadership of billionaire and party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.