Georgian Parliament Speaker Signs Law Curbing LGBT Rights
On October 3, 2024, Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of Georgia’s parliament, signed into law a bill that has been criticized for its perceived limitations on LGBT rights. The “family values” bill, which was approved by parliament on September 17 with an 84-0 vote, was returned to parliament by President Salome Zurabishvili without her signature on October 2, as per the Georgian Constitution.
The law, titled “On Family Values And Protection Of Minors,” brings changes to 18 current laws, including legislation on free speech and expression as well as broadcasting. It prohibits gatherings that promote the right of a person to identify as a gender other than “his or her biological sex” and also bans gatherings advocating for same-sex orientation or relationships.
Papuashvili endorsed the bill despite criticism from human rights organizations and the European Union. He argued that the law is based on “common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian, and European values” and has broad public support. The law is set to be published in Georgia’s Legislative Gazette and will come into force 60 days after its publication.
