Publication
Statement by the Equal Rights Coalition on the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in Georgia
03 December 2024
Statement by the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) on the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in Georgia
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) expresses deep concerns about a legislative package on “family values and protection of minors” that was passed in third and final reading by the Georgian parliament on 17 September and assented into law on December 2, 2024. The law contains provisions that present risks to a broad range of human rights, undermining the fundamental rights of Georgian people and risking further stigmatization and discrimination of Georgian persons.
The ERC is deeply concerned that this law may encourage hate speech, lead to more incidents of violence, and reinforce stigma, intolerance and misinformation.
This law imposes discriminatory restrictions on education, public discussion and gatherings related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The law furthermore contains vague formulations and perpetuates negative stereotypes about LGBTIQ+ persons. It also hinders their access to healthcare and may negatively affect efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in Georgia.
In doing so, the law undermines Georgians’ rights to equality, non-discrimination, education, health, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as well as privacy, liberty and security. More broadly, this law may contribute to a climate of fear and persecution which will also have a negative impact on Georgia’s efforts to attract foreign investment, encourage trade, and improve public health and development.
We encourage Georgia to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Georgians, and its international obligations and commitments, including the recommendations Georgia accepted as part of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.
The ERC remains committed to safeguarding the equal rights of LGBTIQ+ communities around the world as well as in Georgia and the wider region.
Equal Rights Coalition members who are co-signatories,
Albania
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Montenegro
The Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Portugal
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States