Anti-LGBTIQ law presented in Georgia
The Georgian government is increasingly modeling itself after Russia. Following the controversial Agent Law, the ruling party "Georgian Dream" is working on a similarly rigorous policy against LGBTIQ people. Queer individuals are already facing discrimination in the country.
The Parliament in Georgia has brought a legislative package against the dissemination of homosexuality to the table. Deputies discussed the proposal in the first reading, which aims to ban "propaganda" for same-sex relationships and LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, Trans-, intersexual, and queer people).
If the Parliament passes the law, it would go against the principles of the EU, to which Georgia aspires to join. Relations are already strained, following the passage of a law against "foreign agents" in May. The law requires organizations receiving more than one-fifth of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents of influence." The EU stated that the law had temporarily halted the country's accession process.
Orthodox Church holds significant influence
The party "Georgian Dream" has brought Georgia, which was long pro-Western, closer to Russia. The Agent Law is in effect in the neighboring country, and for weeks, tens of thousands protested against it.
The LGBT law aims to ban depictions of same-sex relationships in schools, universities, and television programs. Non-heterosexual couples would not be allowed to adopt children under the proposed law. Gatherings of the LGBTIQ+ community could be banned based on the law. Same-sex marriages are already prohibited in Georgia according to the Constitution. The influence of the Orthodox Church remains significant in the country.
Opposition parties believe that the party "Georgian Dream" is targeting conservative voter blocs with the law ahead of the October parliamentary elections. Similar legislation exists in Russia regarding people of the LGBTIQ+ community.
- Despite the Georgian government's apparent alignment with Russia's policies, this approach towards LGBTIQ people contradicts the human rights principles upheld by the EU, which Georgia aspires to join.
- The Orthodox Church, holding significant influence in Georgia, might support the Parliament's proposed legislation against the dissemination of homosexuality, as similar attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community can be observed in Russia.
- The EU's stance on human rights, including those of the LGBTIQ+ community, is a crucial factor in their decision-making process regarding Georgia's membership, making this LGBT law a potential obstacle in the country's path to EU accession.
- Transgender individuals, like those identified as homosexual by the controversial Agent Law and the proposed LGBTIQ+ legislation, may face increased discrimination and exclusion in various spheres of life in Georgia, such as education, family, and social gatherings.
