Georgian Parliament Passes Anti-LGBT Law Banning Gender Reassignment in Third Reading

Sep 17, 2024, 12:47 PM

The Georgian Parliament has passed a controversial law banning 'LGBT propaganda' and gender reassignment in its third and final reading. The law, titled 'On Family Values and the Protection of Minors,' was approved by 84 votes, with opposition parties abstaining from the vote. The legislation includes amendments to 18 other existing laws and imposes strict penalties, including prison sentences of up to four years for surgical operations or medical manipulations involving sex reassignment. The package comprises 19 bills and prohibits the legal recognition of same-sex couples and transgender people. It also provides a legal basis to ban Pride events. Critics, including human rights activists and the Venice Commission, have condemned the law, arguing that it will encourage hate speech, violence, stigma, and misinformation. The law now awaits the signature of Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili to come into force.