President Zurabishvili’s Bold Stance on Family Values Bill

Image Source : The Guardian

Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili has taken a bold stance against a highly contentious bill dubbed the “family values” law, which rights groups and Brussels vehemently condemn for severely restricting LGBTQ+ rights and mirroring Russian legislation that curbs LGBTQ+ freedoms. The bill, hastily passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party amidst opposition boycotts and rising tensions ahead of the October 26 parliamentary elections, bans gender transition, adoption by gay and transgender individuals, and nullifies same-sex marriages performed abroad. Furthermore, it restricts discussions of same-sex relationships and incest in educational institutions and TV broadcasts, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups for equating homosexuality with incest.

Despite Zurabishvili’s refusal to sign the bill, parliament’s speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, is expected to sign it into law, citing protection of minors and traditional family values. This development follows Georgia’s adoption of an anti-NGO “foreign influence” law, which sparked mass protests and Western condemnation. Brussels has repeatedly warned that laws like these undermine Georgia’s EU aspirations and contradict European values, potentially straining EU-Georgia relations and jeopardizing the country’s bid to join the bloc.

The move highlights Zurabishvili’s growing rift with the Georgian Dream party and raises concerns about Georgia’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and European integration. Critics argue that the bill will further marginalize Georgia’s already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community, perpetuating discrimination and violence. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have denounced the bill, urging Georgian authorities to uphold international human rights standards.

Brussels’ concerns about Georgia’s drift away from European values are heightened by the ruling party’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies. The EU has emphasized that Georgia’s progress toward membership relies on its adherence to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. With this bill, Georgia risks joining the ranks of Eastern European countries that have embraced illiberal policies, potentially undermining its European ambitions.

As Georgia navigates this critical juncture, the international community watches closely. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for Georgia’s future, its relations with the EU, and the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Will Georgia reaffirm its commitment to democratic values, or will it succumb to authoritarian pressures? The world waits with bated breath.

The parliamentary elections on October 26 will be a pivotal moment for Georgia, as voters decide whether to endorse the ruling party’s conservative agenda or choose a more inclusive, pro-European path. The fate of the “family values” bill and Georgia’s EU aspirations hang precariously in the balance.