Georgian parliament speaker signs bill curbing LGBTQ+ rights into law

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Georgia’s parliament speaker on Thursday announced that he had signed into law a bill curbing LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Shalva Papuashvili signed the On Protection of Family Values and Minors bill after it was returned to parliament on Wednesday by President Salome Zourabichvili without her signature, said the parliament speaker.

Expressing that the law "does not reflect current, temporary, changing ideas and ideologies," Papuashvili said it is based on "common sense, historical experience and centuries-old Christian, Georgian and European values."

Acknowledging that the bill will face criticism from “some foreign partners,” he said that it nevertheless has broad public support.

He also said as the bill was being considered, the government held discussions with various religious denominations, as well as the Georgian Orthodox Church, which he said supported the bill.

“Therefore, for me, signing this law carries the highest legitimacy – it is a signature backed by both the nation and the church,” he added.

Last month, lawmakers voted in support of the bill in its third and final reading with 84 votes in favor and none against.

The law, which was submitted to parliament in June, will give a legal basis for moves such as banning LGBTQ+ gatherings, same-sex marriage, and gender reassignment surgery.

The legislation also bans public display of the LGBTQ+ flag and introduces media controls.

The majority of the opposition did not take part in the vote as part of its boycott following the adoption of the controversial Transparency of Foreign Influence law, which has been criticized by the US and European countries.

The bill’s adoption comes weeks ahead of the Oct. 26. parliamentary elections, in which the ruling Georgian Dream Party is seeking a fourth term.​​​​​​​