Georgian parliament passes a bill restricting LGBTQ rights
- In Reports
- 12:14 PM, Sep 18, 2024
- Myind Staff
In their recent move, the Georgian leaders approved a new bill curtailing rights for the LGBTQ community. The politicians on Thursday passed its third and final reading on “family values and the protection of minors” giving the authorities the power to ban Pride events and the public display of the LGBTQ rainbow flag, as well as the censorship of films and books related to sexual orientation.
Following the opposition's boycott of the vote, the ruling Georgian Dream party voted 84 to 0 to approve the bill. The legislation outlaws same-sex unions that were consummated outside of Georgia, as well as gender transition and adoption by homosexuals and transgender persons. Several other laws have also been amended by the bill."
In Georgia, where the powerful and fervently conservative Orthodox Church holds significant sway, leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party argue that it is imperative to protect “traditional moral standards”. Tamara Jakeli, a leader for Tbilisi Pride, warned that a bill which reaffirms a ban on same-sex marriage and gender reassignment surgery could force the closure of her organisation. Jakeli told the Reuters news agency, "This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBT community in Georgia." "It is likely that we will have to close. We are unable to carry on operating in this manner.
The bill has been criticised by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who has mainly ceremonial powers threatened to veto the bill. However, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, has enough votes in parliament to overcome her veto. LGBTQ rights are not yet widely accepted in Georgia. The majority of its population opposes same-sex relationships while the constitution prohibits same-sex marriages. Tbilisi Pride marches have been attacked by anti-LGBTQ protesters in recent years.
Image source: Al Jazeera
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