Georgia Mirrors Russia by Signing Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Into Law
newsweek.comRussia.The bill, signed into law by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday, has been criticized by human rights activists and further deepens tensions in the South Caucasus nation as it prepares for an election.It will include bans on same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, and public depictions or endorsements of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media.With regards to transgender people, those experiencing gender dysphoria will be prohibited from gender-affirming care and changing gender designations on official documents.Despite opposition from Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who refused to sign the bill, the ruling Georgian Dream party pushed the legislation through, framing it as a defense of national values ahead of a parliamentary election.Her veto was overridden by the parliament, where she governs as an independent.Papuashvili defended the move, stating it is based on "common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian, and European values."Critics have condemned the bill as an attempt to marginalize an already vulnerable community.Particular phrasing of the policy places homosexual relationships at the same level of objectionable as incest, and media containing "nontraditional" relationships will be restricted to those older than 18.Tbilisi Pride's director Tamara Jakeli said the law could force their organization to shut down.Ana Tavadze, an activist with the group, said the government is using "political and institutional homophobia" to distract voters from issues like unemployment and health care.She argued that the law is part of a broader strategy by the ruling party to "fabricate" social conflicts ahead of the upcoming elections to deflect from "their failure" to enact real change.The legislation has drawn immediate comparisons to Russia, which has passed a series of laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights over the last decade.Russia has implemented measures banning the public promotion of "nontraditional sexual.
