Tbilisi, Oct 5 (Alliance News): Georgian parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili has signed a controversial “family values” bill into law, curbing LGBT rights just weeks before Georgia’s crucial parliamentary elections.
The ruling Georgian Dream party spearheaded the bill, which has faced widespread criticism from LGBT activists and Western countries.
The new law, passed despite opposition from President Salome Zourabichvili, prohibits gender transitions and could ban pride marches and the display of LGBT symbols, including the rainbow flag.
Georgian Dream claims the bill is necessary to protect the Orthodox Christian values of the country from external influences, with elections slated for October 26.
Critics, including LGBT rights advocates, argue the law is an attempt to galvanize conservative voters, as the ruling party seeks a fourth consecutive term in power.
Western nations have condemned the legislation, viewing it as a sign of Georgia’s shift towards authoritarianism and closer alignment with Russia.
Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has faced declining popularity since 2020 but remains the leading political force in the country.
The party has also passed a “foreign agents” law requiring groups funded from abroad to register, a move reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia.
The October elections will play a critical role in determining Georgia’s future direction, as the country continues to be pulled between Western aspirations and historical tensions with Moscow.
Georgian Dream argues its more moderate approach to Russia is necessary to avoid further conflict.