EU candidate in the Caucasus: Georgia severely restricts the rights of homosexuals

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, prohibits, 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. It also criminalizes so-called propaganda for non-traditional relationships.

The draft law had already been criticized by the European Union. The law “On Family Values ​​and the Protection of Minors” is to come into force after its publication, but President Salome Zurabishvili could still veto it. Observers believe that 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. There, too, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community have been severely restricted. The English abbreviation LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, the plus sign for other identities.

In 2023, the European Union granted Georgia the status of an EU accession candidate. After the parliament in Tbilisi passed a law against 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 be held in Georgia at the end of October. The “Georgian Dream”, which has been in power since 2012, is aiming for a majority that will change the constitution under the leadership of billionaire and party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.