The Russia-friendly government of Georgia has recently passed a controversial draft law on “Family Values and Protection of Minors” that discriminates against LGBTQ people. The law, aimed at countering LGBT “propaganda”, prohibits same-sex marriage and has been criticized by human rights defenders as a barrier to European integration. The legislation, passed without opposition, has been likened to classic Russian propaganda by civil society groups, who argue that it infringes on freedom of speech and legalizes censorship. Critics fear that the law puts the already marginalized LGBT community at a more vulnerable position and damages the state of human rights for all citizens. Opposition parties, divided on the law and cautious not to alienate socially conservative voters, are refraining from explicitly denouncing it as undemocratic. The bill has been compared to Russian legislation by some, with concerns that it mirrors steps taken by Russia over the past decade. Despite international efforts to combat discrimination, the Georgian government has designated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia as the day of “Purity of the Family and Respect for Parents”. The law, consisting of 13 articles, addresses various issues related to marriage, adoption, medical procedures, information dissemination, and gatherings. Critics argue that the legislation goes against Georgia’s EU accession process, creating a new challenge for the country’s path towards European integration.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
Georgia’s government passes legislation targeting LGBTQ+ community, sparking worries leading up to elections
