Georgia’s New Bill Sparks Debate on LGBTQ+ Rights and EU Ties

Georgia’s parliament passes a controversial “Family Values” bill, sparking international outcry and potentially jeopardizing the country’s EU aspirations.

At a Glance

Georgia’s ruling party passed a “family values” bill with an 84-0 vote, restricting LGBTQ+ rights.
The bill bans “propaganda” of same-gender relationships and adoption by homosexual individuals.
EU warns the bill undermines fundamental rights and risks Georgia’s European integration.
Critics accuse the ruling party of aligning closer with Russia, jeopardizing Georgia’s EU membership bid.

Georgia’s Controversial Family Values Bill

In a move that has drawn widespread criticism from Western allies, Georgia’s parliament has passed a controversial “Family Values” bill. The legislation, approved by a vote of 84-0, aims to restrict LGBTQ+ rights and promote what the ruling party calls “traditional moral standards.” This decision marks a significant shift in Georgia’s political landscape and potentially threatens its aspirations for European Union membership.

The bill, which mirrors similar legislation in Russia, prohibits what it terms as “propaganda of same-sex relationships and incest” in educational institutions and television broadcasts. It also bans gender transition, adoption by homosexual and transgender individuals, and nullifies same-sex marriages performed abroad. These measures have been met with strong opposition from human rights groups and Western diplomats.

EU Warns of Consequences

The European Union has been quick to respond, warning that the bill’s adoption could have serious implications for Georgia’s European integration process. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, urged Georgia to retract the legislation, stating that it undermines fundamental rights and risks further stigmatization and discrimination of part of the population.

This stern warning from the EU underscores the potential diplomatic and economic consequences Georgia may face as a result of this legislation. The country’s bid for EU membership, already facing challenges, now seems to be in even greater jeopardy.

Domestic Support and Opposition

Despite international criticism, the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, maintains that the bill is necessary to protect family values and minors. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili defended the legislation, claiming it aims to safeguard traditional family structures based on heterosexual unions.

However, opposition parties and LGBTQ+ rights activists vehemently oppose the bill. Tamara Jakeli, director of Tbilisi Pride, expressed grave concerns about the law’s impact, stating that it would likely force her organization to close. The opposition boycotted the vote, highlighting the deep political divide in the country over this issue.

Geopolitical Implications

The passage of this bill is seen by many as part of a broader shift in Georgia’s geopolitical orientation. Critics accuse the Georgian Dream party of moving closer to Russia and away from its previous pro-Western stance. This change in direction comes at a time when Georgia’s relations with the West have been strained, partly due to the adoption of other controversial laws, such as the “foreign agents” law earlier this year.

As Georgia approaches crucial elections in October, the country finds itself at a crossroads. President Salome Zurabishvili, a critic of the ruling party, has framed the upcoming vote as a choice between aligning with Russia or cooperating with Europe. The outcome of these elections could significantly impact Georgia’s future relationship with the EU and its overall geopolitical positioning.