In Georgia, where the Orthodox Church exerts substantial influence, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights is prevalent. Last year, a violent clash occurred when anti-LGBTQ+ protesters disrupted a festival in Tbilisi, leading to its cancellation. This year, tens of thousands participated in a Tbilisi march advocating for “traditional family values,” a theme that also underpins Russian policies.
Russia has enacted similar laws over the past decade, banning public support for "nontraditional sexual relations" and criminalizing gender-affirming care. The Russian Supreme Court has labeled LGBTQ+ activism as extremist, effectively prohibiting it.
The Georgian legislation follows the adoption of the “foreign influence” law in June, which critics argue mirrors Russian tactics. This law requires media and NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as pursuing the interests of foreign powers.
The controversial "foreign influence" law sparked significant protests and drew widespread condemnation for its perceived threat to democratic freedoms and Georgia’s EU accession prospects. The South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million formally applied for EU membership in 2022 following Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the European Union paused the accession process and suspended some financial aid in reaction to the “foreign influence” law. Additionally, the United States imposed sanctions on numerous Georgian officials in response to the law.
The newly approved anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed its third and final reading with 84 out of 150 lawmakers in favor. It now awaits the signature of President Salome Zourabichvili. Although Zourabichvili, who has frequently clashed with the ruling Georgian Dream party, has the authority to veto the bill—as she did with the “foreign influence” law—the parliament, which is dominated by Georgian Dream, can override her veto.
Georgia’s constitution asserts that “marriage is based on the legal equality and free will of the spouses” but does not explicitly ban same-sex marriage. The civil code defines marriage as a “voluntary union between a man and a woman.” The new legislation, introduced by the ruling party, seeks to more explicitly prohibit same-sex marriage and is viewed as a populist move aimed at garnering support from conservative factions. As the country approaches parliamentary elections on October 26, the ruling party aims to maintain its control amid growing political tensions.
Georgian Dream, the ruling party in Georgia, was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a reclusive billionaire with substantial business interests in Russia. Ivanishvili briefly served as Georgia’s prime minister in 2012. The party originally campaigned on promises to enhance civil rights and to "reset" diplomatic relations with Moscow, which had fought a brief war with Georgia in 2008 over the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following the conflict, Russia recognized the independence of these regions and established military bases there.
In 2022, as Ukraine faced a full-scale invasion from Russia, many Georgians expressed solidarity with Kyiv. However, the Georgian government chose to abstain from participating in sanctions against Moscow, restricted entry for numerous Kremlin critics, and accused Western nations of attempting to provoke Georgia into direct conflict with Russia. Critics of the ruling party argue that Georgian Dream is aligning the country more closely with Russian interests, potentially jeopardizing Georgia's European integration ambitions.
— Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia.
In conclusion, the ruling party Georgian Dream, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, has faced significant criticism for its perceived alignment with Russian interests and its handling of domestic and international issues. Despite initial promises to restore civil rights and improve relations with Moscow, the party’s actions, including its abstention from sanctions against Russia and its controversial domestic policies, have raised concerns about Georgia's commitment to its European aspirations. As the country navigates its political landscape and prepares for upcoming elections, the impact of these decisions on Georgia's future direction remains a crucial point of contention.