Georgia Advances Closer to Russia, Diverges from EU
Georgian Parliament Endorses Bill to Ban LGBT Propaganda
In a pivotal move, the Georgian parliament approved a bill banning LGBT propaganda in its initial reading, which was broadcast on the legislative body's website. The bill, titled "On Family Values and Protection of Minors," garnered support from 78 deputies, significantly surpassing 50 votes. This legislative package includes amendments to various laws, while almost all opposition parliamentarians, finding themselves in the minority, boycotted the session.
Stringent Restrictions Imposed
The legislation enforces stringent measures, including prohibiting any marriage registration outside the union between a man and a woman. It also bans adoption by homosexual couples and gender reassignment surgeries, imposing prison sentences ranging from one to four years for violations. Individuals promoting LGBT content in educational institutions face fines of 1,500 lari (approximately $532), while legal entities are liable for 4,000 lari (over $1,400). Additionally, broadcasters are forbidden from airing same-sex intimate scenes or advertising-related content. The dissemination of LGBT advertising materials will incur fines of 800 lari (around $284) for individuals and 2,500 lari (about $886) for legal entities.
Comprehensive Ban on LGBT Promotion
Further penalties include fines of 1,000 lari (about $355) for individuals and 3,000 lari (over $1,000) for legal entities distributing materials about gender reassignment or homosexual relationships. Demonstrations aimed at popularizing LGBT content are also prohibited, with violations carrying fines and potential imprisonment of up to two years.
Georgia’s Shift from European Integration
Georgia's legislative actions signify a deliberate shift away from European integration, challenging what has become a cornerstone for many Western governments. Previously, on May 14, the country adopted a law on foreign agents, despite Western threats. President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed it, but parliament overrode her decision. This move prompted the US to reconsider its relations with Tbilisi and led the EU to report issues with Georgia's potential union membership due to divergent values.
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