The Georgian Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze recently signed a legislative amendment aimed at curbing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the country. The signed law is a part of the administrative violations code, which is stirring intense debates and creating waves of protests both within and outside the country.
The move from the Georgian Parliament Speaker is seen as an attempt to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. The law introduces a number of amendments to the existing administrative violations code. Specifically, it includes fines or community service for conducting ‘propaganda of homosexuality’ or other non-traditional sexual orientations amongst minors. These provisions reflect the ongoing bias and discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation, a violation of their fundamental human rights.
LGBTQ+ rights advocates have persistently criticized the harshness of this legislative move, asserting that it is in violation of the country’s constitutional freedoms. These critics argues that such legislation infringes on the right to free speech and unrestricted psychological, social, and emotional development of LGBTQ+ youths.
The Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, condemned the law calling it a homophobic show. The organization observed it as a systematic denial of the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ population in Georgia, taking the country on a dreadful path of social intolerance and discrimination.
The move not only threatens Georgia’s progress towards a liberal society that upholds human rights, but it also contradicts international conventions such as Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Georgia is a signatory. By international standards, this law portrays Georgia as a nation lacking respect and understanding for diversity, moving away from democratic values and the rule of law.
In response to the international backlash, proponents of the law within Georgia argue that it is designed to ‘protect the children’. This protectionist rhetoric echoes similar justifications for laws against the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations in other countries, most notably Russia.
The LGBTQ+ community in Georgia, and indeed worldwide, views these developments with concern. The recent law substantiates fears about escalating trends of discrimination and marginalization in Georgia. It further signifies the institutionalization of homophobic attitudes and stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community in Georgian society.
On the ground, the law sparks distress and apprehension among the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia, who endure the brunt of societal discrimination and legal repercussions. It exacerbates their vulnerability, marginalization, and invisibility within the society, further alienating them from mainstream societal acceptance and belonging.
While there has been considerable local and international opposition against this law, it is yet to be seen how enforcing this legislation will unfold in Georgian society. Furthermore, the international community and human rights organizations are observing with apprehension and calling upon the Georgian government to uphold fundamental human rights in accordance with international norms.
In conclusion, the signing into law of the controversial legislation by the Georgian Parliament Speaker marks a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The law is a reflection of the deeply ingrained societal prejudices and homophobia, and further institutionalizes discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the protective rhetoric surrounding the law, its enforcement poses potential threats to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of individuals of non-traditional sexual orientations in Georgia.
