Wed Sep 18 00:13:24 UTC 2024: ## Georgia Approves Controversial Law Curbing LGBT Rights, Sparking International Outrage
**Tbilisi, Georgia -** The Georgian parliament has passed a law restricting LGBT rights, sparking outrage from international human rights groups and prompting concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic values. The law, which passed its final reading on Tuesday, bans Pride events, restricts public displays of the LGBT rainbow flag, and censors films and books deemed to promote “non-traditional” sexual orientations.
The Georgian Dream party, which holds the majority in parliament, claims the law is necessary to uphold traditional moral values and protect children. However, critics argue the legislation is a thinly veiled attempt to appease the influential Orthodox Church and consolidate conservative support ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election on October 26th.
The bill, which also reaffirms the ban on same-sex marriage and prohibits gender reassignment surgery, has been condemned by LGBT rights groups as a major setback for LGBTQ+ individuals in Georgia. Tamara Jakeli, director of Tbilisi Pride, warned that the legislation could force her organization to close its doors, saying it represents “the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBT community in Georgia.”
The law has also drawn criticism from Western governments, many of whom expressed concern that Georgia is drifting towards Russia and away from its stated ambitions of joining the European Union. This law, coupled with Georgia’s recent defiance of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, is fueling these fears.
This controversial legislation has sparked intense debate both within Georgia and internationally, raising questions about the future of LGBT rights and the country’s commitment to democratic values.
First Piper 