Georgia

Georgia Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: A Reflection of Russian Legislation and Influence

Georgia Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: A Reflection of Russian Legislation and Influence

In late September 2024, Georgia's Parliament passed a law on "family values and protection of minors," cloaked as a defence of tradition but, in reality, a severe rollback of LGBTQ+ rights. This legislation, which prohibits same-sex marriages, LGBTQ+ adoptions, and positive media representation of queer individuals, aligns with Russia's influence and the Orthodox Church’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance. As Georgia nears the October elections, populist, anti-Western rhetoric intensifies, weaponising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. Pro-Russian parties leverage these sentiments to sway voters. The Georgian Dream Party, led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, stands poised to capitalise on this, hoping to cement Georgia’s ties with Moscow and looking forward to criminalising even more LGBTQ+ communities.