Georgia passes law banning LGBTQ "propaganda", same-sex marriage and adoption
Georgia’s parliament has passed at third reading a legislative package introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party that bans “LGBT propaganda,” same-sex marriage and adoption, and gender-affirming treatments. The controversial package, adopted with 84 votes in favor and none against, includes a primary law and 18 related measures affecting various areas such as healthcare, education, and media. Among the changes is a prohibition on public gatherings or demonstrations "promoting non-traditional sexual orientations". Media outlets are also barred from airing content "promoting LGBTQ relationships".
Civil society groups and opposition parties have heavily criticized the legislation, accusing Georgian Dream of using the bill to stoke fear and rally support ahead of parliamentary elections on 26 October. Critics argue that the bill goes far beyond what the ruling party claims is necessary to protect children and family values. They say it establishes legal grounds for broader restrictions on fundamental freedoms and targets LGBTQ people for political gain. Human rights advocates have also warned that this law could serve as a precedent for future repression against other groups. The EU’s chief foreign affairs spokesperson, Peter Stano, expressed deep concern about the bill’s rushed process, stating that it undermines the rights of Georgian citizens and could worsen the discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals. The EU further highlighted that the legislation risks Georgia’s EU integration prospects. More than 30 civil society organizations have urged President Salome Zourabichvili to veto the bill. They warn that this law legalizes hate and censorship, and that it could pave the way for further governmental overreach. Public Defender Levan Ioseliani has also been called upon to take the legislation to court. The package is part of a broader effort by the government to tighten its control over public discourse, and its impact could be far-reaching, particularly in the education system, where LGBTQ topics will now be strictly censored.
Georgia’s parliament has passed at third reading a legislative package introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party that bans “LGBT propaganda,” same-sex marriage and adoption, and gender-affirming treatments.
The controversial package, adopted with 84 votes in favor and none against, includes a primary law and 18 related measures affecting various areas such as healthcare, education, and media.
Among the changes is a prohibition on public gatherings or demonstrations "promoting non-traditional sexual orientations". Media outlets are also barred from airing content "promoting LGBTQ relationships".
Civil society groups and opposition parties have heavily criticized the legislation, accusing Georgian Dream of using the bill to stoke fear and rally support ahead of parliamentary elections on 26 October.
Critics argue that the bill goes far beyond what the ruling party claims is necessary to protect children and family values. They say it establishes legal grounds for broader restrictions on fundamental freedoms and targets LGBTQ people for political gain.
Human rights advocates have also warned that this law could serve as a precedent for future repression against other groups.
The EU’s chief foreign affairs spokesperson, Peter Stano, expressed deep concern about the bill’s rushed process, stating that it undermines the rights of Georgian citizens and could worsen the discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals. The EU further highlighted that the legislation risks Georgia’s EU integration prospects.
More than 30 civil society organizations have urged President Salome Zourabichvili to veto the bill. They warn that this law legalizes hate and censorship, and that it could pave the way for further governmental overreach.
Public Defender Levan Ioseliani has also been called upon to take the legislation to court.
The package is part of a broader effort by the government to tighten its control over public discourse, and its impact could be far-reaching, particularly in the education system, where LGBTQ topics will now be strictly censored.
US imposes sanctions on Georgian officials and far-right leaders
The US Department of State has announced visa sanctions against 60 Georgian citizens, including government officials, business leaders, and law enforcement representatives, for their role in "undermining democracy" in Georgia.
While the State Department did not disclose specific names, it indicated that those targeted include senior government and municipal officials who abused their power to restrict the fundamental rights of Georgian citizens, business leaders involved in corruption, individuals responsible for spreading disinformation and promoting violent extremism, law enforcement officers who engaged in the violent suppression of protests, and members of parliament who played key roles in passing undemocratic legislation and limiting civil society.
The US Department of the Treasury has also imposed financial sanctions on several people. Among them are Zviad "Khareba" Kharazishvili, head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Task Department, and his deputy Mileri Lagazauri, for their involvement in human rights abuses during violent crackdowns on protests against the "foreign agent" law.
The Special Tasks Department, which oversees riot police, played a key role in the forceful suppression of protests against the foreign agent law, deploying pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Riot police also physically assaulted and detained protesters during the near-daily demonstrations.
Also sanctioned are far-right leaders Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze, founders of the extremist group Alt-Info, for their roles in violent attacks on protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
Alt Info, a pro-Russian group, was responsible for orchestrating the homophobic riots in July 2021, during which more than 50 media representatives were assaulted.
The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets of the individuals involved and block organizations where they hold a 50% or higher ownership stake.
“The United States unequivocally supports the rights of Georgians to assemble, speak, and peacefully protest without fear of violence, intimidation, or suppression,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement read.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed concern in a meeting with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, criticising the sanctions as a politically motivated move aimed at boosting the opposition ahead of next month's elections.
“This decision by the US approaches a critical point, and if similar actions continue, Georgia may have to reassess its relationship with the United States,” he said.
The Georgian Bankers Association has confirmed that the country’s banking system will fully comply with international sanctions, though it remains uncertain how conflicting domestic financial regulations will impact their enforcement.
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