New anti-LGBT package of laws announced in Georgia
The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, submitted 19 bills to parliament, united under the title “against Propaganda promoting LGBT issues among minors and to protect family values.”
Georgia proposes new holiday and LGBT laws: what will change?
Parliamentary press secretary Shalva Papuashvili said that one of the bills would establish a new public holiday in Georgia – Family Holiness Day. It is proposed to celebrate it annually on 17 May, on the same day as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
Other bills reportedly include:
- a ban on marches, gatherings or protests with the goal of advocating for same-sex marriage and the like;
- prohibition of registering alternative forms of marriage unions;
- prohibition on the adoption of children by non-heterosexual couples
- a ban on any medical procedures for gender reassignment; • prohibition on “LGBT propaganda” in the education sector and the media (a special commission will monitor that authors do not “promote same-sex relationships or incest” in their works);
- a ban on limiting the use of the terms “mom” and “dad” in government agencies and private companies.
Shalva Papuashvili noted that, at the initiative of the party in power, constitutional changes of similar content have also been discussed for several months. For this, Georgian Dream needs three-quarters of the votes from the total number of deputies, that is, the support of the opposition. In contrast, an announced legislative package requires a simple majority in parliament. It is expected that the bill will be adopted in the first reading during the spring session and in the second and third readings during the autumn session Papuashvili noted.
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze noted that it is important to clearly distinguish between the protection of human rights and propaganda in the context of the bill “On Family Values and the Protection of Minors.”
Diverse Opinions: Reaction to LGBT Rights Bills in Georgia
People’s reactions to bills related to LGBT rights in Georgia have been varied and often emotional. Some expressed support for the proposed laws, considering them to preserve traditional family values and ensure the well-being of children. They expressed concerns about the possible influence of LGBT propaganda on society, particularly on the youth. Others criticized the bills as discriminatory and violative of the rights of the LGBT community. They emphasized that everyone has the right to freedom of expression of their sexual orientation and prohibiting anti- LGBTQ events and public holidays is a form of rejection and exclusion.
Opponents of the bills also emphasized that such measures could create an atmosphere of intolerance and fear among the LGBT community, which could lead to a deterioration in their social and psychological situation. In general, the discussion of the bills became the occasion for a broad public discussion about justice, tolerance and protection of the rights of all citizens of Georgia.