Georgia defies EU and US with new anti-LGBT laws modelled on Russia's

The authorities in Georgia have decided to take drastic measures against "LGBT+ propaganda." They aim to introduce controversial laws despite clear opposition from the European Union and the United States. These laws are strikingly similar to those enforced in Russia. What changes will they entail?

Some time ago, the Georgian parliament adopted the so-called law on foreign agents, modelled after a similar Russian law. Now it's time for more controversies. This time, the authorities have targeted the LGBT+ community. Despite the opposition of a significant portion of the population and representatives of the European Union and the United States, the state's authorities maintain their stance. How will the new law affect queer individuals residing in Georgia?

The latest law introduced in Georgia has outraged the authorities of the European Union and the United States. Representatives of the EU and the USA decided to take action. The rules affected non-governmental organisations and the independent media, prompting the EU to plan to halt talks with Georgia about joining the Union. Meanwhile, the Americans announced sanctions on Georgian politicians and a review of further cooperation between Washington and Tbilisi.

The Georgian parliament did not concern itself with the announced consequences. It is considering another controversial law. This document closely resembles the restrictions introduced in Russia. It will affect the LGBT+ community or, as the parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashivili said, "LGBT+ propaganda."

The new law will include a ban on same-sex marriage, adoption by homosexual couples, gender reassignment and "any medical manipulation aimed at changing gender." Therefore, hormone therapy or surgeries to correct gender will become illegal in the country.

Additionally, rainbow flags and other symbols associated with the queer community will have to disappear from Georgian streets. There will be censorship in television, theatres, and cinemas – a complete ban on showing homosexual relationships. Sexual education will also be illegal, and schools will not be allowed to provide students with information "promoting belonging to another gender, homosexuality, or incest."