Georgian President Rejects Controversial Bill That Threatens LGBT Rights Amid Political Turmoil
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has taken a significant stand by refusing to sign a controversial bill aimed at limiting the rights of the country's LGBT community, which was approved by the ruling Georgian Dream party last month. The bill, referred to as the 'family values bill,' was passed on September 17 with an 84-0 vote, albeit amidst opposition boycotts and protests outside the parliament.
Zurabishvili's decision, confirmed by her administration on October 2, comes in line with her constitutional powers, as she returned the bill to parliament without endorsement. This move underscores the increasingly polarized political environment in Georgia, especially with crucial national elections approaching on October 26.
The proposed legislation, officially titled 'On Family Values and Protection of Minors,' aims to amend 18 existing laws, some of which directly affect free speech and expression, as well as media broadcasting. Notably, the measures within the bill prohibit gatherings that advocate for an individual's right to identify as a gender different from their biological sex, as well as events supporting same-sex relationships.
Opposition parties have been in a continuous boycott of parliamentary sessions since May, particularly in response to a separate 'foreign influence bill,' seen as an echo of Russia's oppressive laws. That bill mandates organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agent entities—a move many view as a threat to democratic freedoms. This legislation was vetoed by Zurabishvili, only to have her opposition overridden by Georgian Dream.
The backlash against these legislative moves has been severe, with the United States and the European Union expressing deep concerns regarding Georgia's democratic integrity. In response to the recent political developments, the US imposed sanctions on over 60 Georgian nationals, including officials the US accuses of undermining democratic values. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has warned that these tensions could negatively impact Tbilisi's relations with Washington.
As the political landscape grows increasingly volatile, public opinion polls indicate that Georgian Dream is still the most favored party among voters. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the implications of these legislative actions, paired with potential international repercussions, will be crucial for the future of democracy and human rights in Georgia.
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