Sakartvelo Parliament approved a bill to restrict LGBT rights
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The bills are scheduled for second and third readings during the fall session
The Sakartvelo parliament approved in the first reading the draft laws "On Family Values and Protection of Minors" as well as amendments to 18 laws that restrict the rights of the LGBT community. The ruling Georgian Dream party plans to pass the respective bills before the October 26 parliamentary elections — in second and third readings during the fall session.
The bills contain a ban on sex change, adoption and child custody for same-sex couples and on holding meetings/manifestations to popularize same-sex marriage. At the same time, same-sex intimate scenes, incest scenes will not be allowed to be shown on TV and in movie theaters.
Sakartvelo is also proposing to introduce May 17 as Family Sanctity Day, which will be a day off, according to the documents. At the same time, May 17 is the Day of Combating Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
On June 4, the ruling Georgian Dream party prepared a package of bills that would restrict the rights of LGBT representatives and will submit it to the parliament. In particular, the documents include a draft law "On Family Values and Protection of Minors", as well as amendments to 18 laws.
On June 27, the Venice Commission published conclusions on the bill that restricts LGBT rights: Sakartvelo urged not to adopt it, because it could create a hostile atmosphere.
