Monday saw a newly proposed legislation, aiming to limit LGBT+ rights, being introduced by Georgia’s government. This action is being interpreted by critics as a bid to amplify its appeal prior to the forthcoming elections in this firm South Caucasus nation that is a candidate for admittance into the European Union.
The proposed legislation, if implemented, would curtail sex changes and thwart adoptions by couples of the same sex. Furthermore, it seeks to prohibit assemblies that purpose to advance same-sex familial and intimate bonds, according to the overview put forth by Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the parliamentary fraction of the party and a pivotal proponent of the Bill, is of the stance that such legislation is vital for the preservation of “family values and future generations” against what he referred to as “fictitious liberal values”.
Tbilisi Pride, an LGBT+ rights organisation, labelled the impending legislation as “homophobic” in a Facebook posting. The opposition within Georgia has labelled this anti-LGBT+ trajectory by Georgian Dream as a tactical move to strengthen its appeal among conservatives and divert voters’ attention away from the looming economic woes ahead of the parliamentary polls set for October.
Despite currently leading other political parties in the polls, Georgian Dream’s support base has dwindled since their 2020 marginal victory for a parliamentary majority. Mdinaradze, in his press briefing, inferred that the Bill is more likely to be enacted post-election.
Georgia, a country majorly comprising Orthodox Christians, exhibits a deeply ingrained social conservatism, with statistical data revealing extensive disapproval of same-sex relationship amongst its residents. Tbilisi’s annual pride march has often sparked conflict in recent years, with LGBTQ+ activists being targeted by extreme rightwing protesters. The country’s constitution has prohibited same-sex marriages since 2018.
Mdinaradze, according to Georgia’s Interpress news agency, suggested that the bill could lead to a ban on Pride parades and the public display of the rainbow flag if these acts are perceived to encourage same-sex relationships.
Georgia attained the EU candidate status in December fulfilling a long-term ambition. However, accusations of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies and becoming unduly aligned with neighbouring Russia, originating both locally and from western countries, have been levied against consecutive governments of Georgian Dream in recent years.
Both Russia and Hungary, an EU member that has also had accusations of authoritarianism brought against it, have previously brought laws into effect opposing what they classify as LGBT+ propaganda.
Monday also saw the signing-off of a law by the speaker of Georgia’s parliament that bolsters the assembly’s dominance over the electoral commission, pending a parliamentary election due by October. Critics regard this as an effort to gain control before the elections.
Last week, the Parliament countered a bill veto by President Salome Zourabichvili, a figure initially backed by the ruling party Georgian Dream, yet who has now implicated them in having tendencies toward pro-Russian and undemocratic principles. This legislation permits the ruling parliament, under the leadership of the Georgian Dream faction, to select commission members from a roster of candidates proposed by the party’s speaker, Shalva Papuashvili.
Opponents assert this action will amplify the dominance of the Georgian Dream party over electoral processes, during a period when the administration has come under fire for exhibiting increased authoritarianism. President Zourabichvili expressed concern that these amendments might result in an election administration that’s biased and governed by the ruling party.
It’s a widely held belief that Georgian Dream is manipulated by its originator, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the wealthiest individual in Georgia, and former prime minister. The party has been in power since 2012, marking the longest reign of any party post Georgia’s 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. (Reuters)