Tbilisi: The parliament of Georgia on June 27 passed the anti-LGBT law in the first reading. The anti-LGBT -LGBT package was passed with 78 votes in favour.
The development came as it has been passed with particular reference to “On Protection of Family Values and Minors.” It is to be specifically mentioned that since the adoption of the foreign agent law, the opposition members have not attended the proceedings of the Parliament.
Speaker Shalva Papuashvli added just a day ago that “ we postponed the vote on the bill to give the opposition parties the opportunity to make the final decision.” The speaker also claimed that a large number of Georgians have demanded changes to this law, and we took the decision to fulfill public aspirations as well. Notably as the spring legislative session is coming to an end this week, the package is not expected to be passed the second and third readings now but the discussion will continue in this regard.
It is also worth mentioning that just a day ago on June 26, the Venice Commission gave an opinion on the core law and amendments. The Commission urged the Georgian government to “reconsider this legislative proposal entirely and not take any step to implement it.” If the decision is not taken, it will be a great discrimination against people with LGBT status as well.
The ruling party used homophobia as the central pillar of its election campaign. Although today’s move was termed a step in combating “LGBT propaganda” in the country. However it also attacks many other fundamental rights including freedom of expression and assembly and the censorship of literature, film, and media.
It is to be noted that the ruling Georgian Dream party has initiated an amendment to the Georgian Constitution which aimed to ensure that the protection of family values as well as the rights of the minor which will be ensured by constitutional law. The opposition parties have criticized the government for ignoring the absence of the opposition parties and passing such acts.
