Georgia passes ‘LGBT Propaganda’ law to protect family values

In a move aligned with the cultural and religious values of the predominantly Orthodox Christian nation, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has signed into law a bill restricting the promotion of non-heterosexual relationships.

The law, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, is framed as a necessary step to protect family values and safeguard minors from content that is seen as counter to Georgia’s traditional values.

The law, titled “On Family Values and Protection of Minors,” prohibits recognition of same-sex unions, restricts transgender individuals from adopting children or undergoing gender reassignment surgery, and bans positive depictions of LGBT relationships in educational materials and media. The legislation reflects the sentiment of many Georgians, who hold conservative views on marriage, which is constitutionally defined as a union between a man and a woman.

Parliament Speaker Papuashvili defended the law, saying that it upholds the will and faith of the Georgian people.

“We Georgians have never been afraid of anyone’s judgment when our faith, common sense, and loyalty to the motherland were calling,” Papuashvili said, responding to anticipated criticism from foreign governments and institutions.

While President Salome Zourabichvili declined to sign the bill, she did not veto it, leaving the final decision to parliament.

Despite opposition from Western nations and domestic critics, supporters argue that the law protects the country’s values and push back against what they view as external interference.

The law has drawn international scrutiny, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on officials involved in its passing and the European Union threatening to revoke Georgia’s visa-free travel privileges.

However, advocates for the legislation view such measures as undue pressure, with some dismissing them as “blackmail.” For many in Georgia, this law represents a defense of their national identity and values against foreign influence.