Georgia Signs Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Law, Echoing Russia’s Policies

The Speaker of Georgia’s parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, signed a controversial bill into law on Thursday that restricts LGBTQ rights, despite warnings from the European Union and rejection of the bill by Georgia’s Salome Zurabishvili.

The law mirrors Russia’s notorious “gay propaganda” legislation, banning gender reassignment and invalidating same-sex marriages performed abroad or within Georgia.

“In conformity with the constitution, I signed today the law ‘on family values and the protection of minors’, which Salome Zurabishvili didn’t sign,” Papuashvili stated on Facebook, referencing the pro-Western Georgian president who refused to endorse the bill.

Papuashvili defended the legislation, saying it reflects “centuries-old Christian, Georgian, and European values” rather than “changeable ideas and ideologies.” He added, “The law protects the rights of all citizens.”

The bill, which passed through parliament last month amid an opposition boycott, has heightened political tensions as Georgia approaches crucial parliamentary elections on October 26. Opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party for steering the country closer to Russia and away from its EU aspirations.

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Critics accuse Georgian Dream of compromising the nation’s pro-European stance in favor of closer ties to Moscow. Georgia’s bid for EU membership now appears increasingly at risk.

Last month, a prominent Georgian transgender woman was stabbed to death in what many view as part of an increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQ people in the country. Rights groups and Western nations have condemned the law as discriminatory and will escalate harmful attacks to the LGBTQ community.