It's time to write homophobia into the constitution
22 September 2024
Georgia has taken one more step backwards from democracy and the protection of human rights, as the parliament approved a homophobic law initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The law imposes censorship and restricts the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. This legislation prohibits "LGBTQI+ propaganda" in educational institutions and bans broadcasters from airing scenes that depict intimate relationships of LGBTQI+ people.
It also forbids LGBTQI+ individuals from adopting children, restricts access to gender affirmation surgery, and prohibits public gatherings aimed at promoting same-sex relationships. Notably, this year, the government designated 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, as a day to celebrate the sanctity of family in Georgia.
Additionally, the ruling party is seeking to amend Article 30 of the Georgian constitution, which currently defines family as a union between a man and a woman. They propose to add a clause asserting that "the protection of family values and minors is ensured by the constitutional law of Georgia," thus enshrining the homophobic law in the country's constitution. Parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili has indicated that these changes may be pursued after the upcoming elections, if the party secures a majority.
 | Tamta Jijavadze Georgian Dream party claims that the goal of this homophobic legislative package is to uphold family values based on the traditional union of a man and a woman and to protect minors. However, the non-governmental organisation "Partnership for Human Rights" argues that political homophobia and the promotion of gender inequality have been persistent agendas for the ruling political force. Such laws contradict Georgia's European aspirations, prompting Western leaders to urge the country's government to withdraw this homophobic legislation that undermines fundamental human rights. The violation of basic human rights and consistent democratic backsliding has already caused the suspension of Georgia's accession negotiations, caused a series of Western sanctions, and, according to reports, could lead to the suspension of visa liberalisation for Georgian citizens with the EU, which has been in force since 2017. One thing is sure - Georgia has all eyes on its parliamentary election on 26 October. |
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