EU Urges Georgia to Reconsider Controversial LGBT Rights Legislation Amid Growing Political Tensions
The European Union's top diplomat has urged Georgia to repeal recently passed legislation that restricts LGBT rights and imposes bans on cultural events like Pride marches. The so-called Family Values bill was pushed through parliament by the ruling Georgian Dream party on September 17, facing a boycott from opposition members and large protests outside the parliament that highlighted the sharply divided political climate ahead of upcoming national elections in October.
Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, criticized the new laws, which he argues undermine fundamental rights and exacerbate discrimination. He called on Georgia to withdraw the legislation, warning that it threatens to further derail the country's aspirations for EU membership. The new legal measures amend 18 existing laws, affecting areas such as free speech, expression, and broadcasting. They allow bans on gatherings that advocate for rights based on gender identity and same-sex relationships.
The legislation was adopted with widespread opposition absence, following an earlier vote where Georgian Dream lawmakers approved a contentious foreign influence bill. Critics, including many Georgians and Western governments, have likened it to a Russian law that has been used to stifle dissent and restrict media representation. Despite a presidential veto attempt, the ruling party managed to push the foreign influence bill into law, which requires organizations receiving substantial foreign funding to register as agents of foreign influence.
Recent U.S. sanctions against over 60 Georgians, including government officials, aimed at those seen as undermining democracy and human rights, further strained relations between Georgia and the West. In response to the sanctions, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze conveyed to U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan that Georgia may reconsider its ties with the U.S. if further steps are taken against the country.
Demonstrations against the Family Values bill saw tens of thousands take to the streets, despite violent crackdowns on protesters. Many demonstrators referred to the legislation as the 'Russian law,' citing its similarities to oppressive regulations in Russia that have decimated independent media and public dissent.
The EU's response to the situation included a pause in accession negotiations with Georgia, while the U.S. undertook a thorough review of its relationship with the nation. As the election date of October 26 approaches, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili framed the vote as a decisive moment for the country, contrasting the choice between what she termed 'Russia's slavery' and a collaborative future with Europe. Polls indicate that Georgian Dream remains the most popular party ahead of the elections, underscoring the complexity and challenges facing Georgia as it navigates its path toward potential EU integration.
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