The Georgian Parliament has moved a law through its third and final reading that designates the International Social Movement of LGBT as extremist and terrorist in relation to Russian authorities. The document references the stance taken by the Russian Federation while Georgia considers its own rules for public discourse on gender and sexuality. Supporters frame the measure as a safeguard for traditional family values and social order, while opponents question its implications for freedom of expression and civil society.
The bill received unanimous support with 84 deputies voting in favor. The measure will become effective once it is signed by the president, Salome Zurabishvili, signaling the executive branch?s formal assent before enforcement begins.
Opposition parties did not participate in the voting, a decision that underscored the tense political climate surrounding the legislation. Critics argue that the move heightens political polarization and limits avenues of public debate on LGBTQ issues while supporters insist it preserves social stability and cultural norms.
On September 4, Georgian MPs were scheduled to vote on the second reading of a package of bills aimed at restricting the promotion of non traditional relationships. The legislative package signals a broader agenda that extends beyond propaganda to the governance of family life and related social practices.
The amendments to the law darken the landscape for LGBT advocacy by prohibiting propaganda, blocking the registration of same sex marriages, banning child adoption by same sex couples, restricting same sex relationships, and forbidding gender reassignment surgeries. In addition, individuals and legal entities promoting non traditional relationships face fines ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 GEL (roughly 532 to 1,400 USD), with similar penalties applied to those distributing LGBT themed advertising. These penalties reflect a comprehensive approach that targets public messaging and organizational activity tied to non traditional relationships.
The proposed framework is framed by officials as a protective measure for families and social values, but it has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and Western partners who warn of potential chilling effects on freedom of expression, civil society work, and access to information. Observers note that enforcement could disproportionately affect educators, journalists, NGOs, and online platforms that discuss LGBTQ topics.
Georgians remain aware that the move occurs in a regional context where governments weigh cultural norms against international expectations. Georgia?s path toward closer European Union ties has faced pauses and recalibrations, with discussions on rapid accession or special status paused or slowed at times. The government emphasizes the complexities of aligning with EU standards while pursuing national policy objectives, and analysts caution that social policy directions can influence long term relations with the bloc.
Rights advocates stress that freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly are essential components of a democratic society, and they urge policymakers to balance moral considerations with individual rights. The government contends that the measures protect traditional values and social cohesion, while critics insist that the laws could undermine pluralism and minority rights, complicating Georgia?s reputation as a reform-minded partner in Europe.
In what remains a dynamic political environment, observers will watch how the package is implemented, the reactions from civil society, and the course of Georgia?s reform agenda as it engages with European partners and international norms. The material indicates the ongoing tension between cultural policy and liberal democratic principles in a country navigating its future orientation within Europe and the wider global community.
Source notes indicate that the Russian stance on related movements continues to influence regional dialogues, even as Georgia charts its own course in public policy and governance. The decision to advance these measures demonstrates how domestic political priorities interact with external expectations and the evolving landscape of civil liberties in the region. The law continues to move through the legislative and executive branches, and its final form will determine its impact on Georgia?s social fabric, international relationships, and the daily lives of those directly affected by these policies.