The Georgian leadership has recently introduced a series of laws aimed at limiting the rights of queer people, similar to Russia. Following the implementation of a Moscow-based law against foreign influence, the ruling Georgian Dream party presented a package of laws under the title “Family Values and the Protection of Minors” to parliament. The new laws prohibit non-heterosexual individuals from adopting children, require identity documents to specify only male or female gender, and restrict gender reassignment surgeries for trans people. Additionally, any content or information related to LGBTQI+ issues will be banned in schools and public spaces.
Georgia’s strong Christian Orthodox tradition and conservative society have often met events of the queer movement like Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Tbilisi with violent counter-demonstrations. Drawing parallels with Russia, where traditional values promoted by the Kremlin include Orthodoxy and patriotism, Georgia’s opponents fear that the government’s actions may hinder the country’s hopes of EU and NATO accession.
In Russia, repressive laws against the LGBTQI+ community have intensified, with authorities targeting queer individuals across the country. The Georgian population is concerned that the Georgian Dream party may adopt similar policies, potentially jeopardizing the country’s democratic aspirations. The upcoming parliamentary elections in October will play a crucial role in determining the future direction of Georgia’s stance on LGBTQI+ rights.
The LGBTQI+ acronym encompasses a wide range of identities, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people, queer, intersex individuals, and other gender and sexual identities. Queer is also used as an umbrella term for non-heterosexual or gender non-conforming individuals.
