Georgian parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili signed a controversial “family values” bill into law that curbs LGBT rights, just weeks before a key election. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, pushed for the law, which bans gender transitions and could outlaw pride marches and displays of the LGBT rainbow flag. President Salome Zourabichvili opposed the bill but was overruled by the ruling party. Critics say the law is an attempt by Georgian Dream to rally conservative voters for the upcoming election. Western countries have criticized the law, viewing it as a move towards authoritarianism and aligning with Russia. Despite criticism, Georgian Dream remains the most popular party in the country, though it has lost some support since the last election. The party, led by the country’s richest man, has also enacted a law requiring groups receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents, similar to legislation in Russia that stifles dissent. Relations with Moscow remain a key issue in Georgian politics, as the country has sought to join NATO and the EU. Georgian Dream argues that its opponents would lead to conflict with Russia, while it seeks stable relations with its volatile neighbor.
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Georgian Parliament Speaker Approves Legislation Restricting LGBTQ+ Rights
