On September 17, the Georgian Parliament adopted the anti-LGBT+ legislative package in its third hearing with 84 votes in favor, 0 votes against.
The “Family Values and Protection of Minors” package threatens fundamental human rights and democratic values by criminalizing the LGBT+ community and imposing censorship on media, science and the arts, thus undermining freedom of expression.
Prior to the adoption of the law, 32 civil society organizations issued a statement condemning the legislative package.
This repressive legislation is a severe attack on the already vulnerable Georgian LGBT+ community and shows open hostility toward basic freedoms and universal human dignity. It is further proof that the Georgian Dream party is shifting dramatically towards the Russian vector.
The timing of this bill — coming after the recent law on the transparency of foreign influence and just before elections — suggests a deliberate effort by the ruling party to advance a repressive and anti-democratic agenda.
We stand in solidarity with Georgian civil society in their fight against these threats.
We urge the European Council and the State Department to impose sanctions on Georgian leaders responsible for these human rights violations and for jeopardizing Georgia’s European future.
