Georgian crackdown on LGBT+ community sparks international outrage
The Georgian authorities have decided to take strong measures against what they call, 'LGBT propaganda.' They plan to introduce controversial laws despite clear opposition from the EU and the USA. They are strikingly similar to those already implemented in Russia. What specific changes will these laws involve?
Some time ago, the Georgian parliament adopted the so-called ‘foreign agent’ Law, modelled on a similar Russian statute. Now, another controversy has emerged. This time, the authorities have targeted the LGBT+ community.
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Despite opposition from a significant portion of the population, as well as representatives from the European Union and the United States, the government is not going to step back. How will this new law affect queer people living in Georgia?
European Union and the US against Georgian law
A new ‘foreign agent’ law introduced in Georgia has sparked outrage from the authorities of the European Union and the United States. Representatives of the EU and the US have decided to take action in response. The new rules target NGOs and independent media, prompting the EU to consider suspending talks with Georgia regarding its accession to the Union. Meanwhile, the US has announced sanctions on Georgian politicians and a reassessment of future cooperation between Washington and Tbilisi.
Despite the announced consequences, the Georgian parliament is now considering another controversial law. This proposed legislation bears a deceptive resemblance to the restrictions introduced in Russia and focuses on the LGBT+ community. The parliament speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, referred to it as 'LGBT+ propaganda'.
Russian-style crackdown on LGBT+ community
The new law is set to include a ban on same-sex marriages, the adoption of children by gay couples, gender correction, and "any medical manipulation for the purpose of gender reassignment". This means that hormone therapy or surgeries to help correct gender will become illegal in the state.
Additionally, rainbow flags and other symbols associated with the queer community will have to disappear from Georgian streets. Censorship will be imposed on local television, cinemas, and theatres, leading to a total ban on depicting any homosexual relationships. Sex education will also be made illegal, and schools will not be allowed to present students with information that supposedly "promotes belonging to the opposite sex, same-sex relations, or incest."
Source: Euractiv, Politico
