A Georgian MP has confirmed that legislation proposing a ban on LGBT marches and “colorful items” has been submitted to the country’s parliament.
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced the submission following a Bureau meeting, news website Georgia Today reported.
With the parliament dominated by Georgian Dream, the governing party, owing to a boycott by opposition parties, any legislation supported by the government is almost bound to become law.
“There is a legislative proposal on the ban of LGBT marches and relevant colorful items, which will be forwarded to the Human Rights Committee [for consideration],” Papuashvili said.
Although the full content of the bill has not yet been released, its title and initial statements indicate an intent to limit public expressions linked to the LGBT community—such as marches, rallies and the display of symbols like rainbow flags.
The legislation is the latest step by the Georgian authorities appearing to target LGBT people in the country.
In October 2024, parliament finalized and signed into law the “Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors,” following a heated parliamentary session. This included banning LGBT propaganda, same-sex marriage, gender reassignment surgeries, and public marches or events promoting LGBT rights.
The law was seen as a significant step toward reinforcing traditional values and was heavily criticized by opposition parties, civil society and Western governments.
Papuashvili admitted that the move runs contrary to political policies in the West, Reuters reported.
“This law does not reflect current, temporary, changing ideas and ideologies but is based on common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian and European values.”
The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing tensions over LGBT rights in Georgia. In recent years, efforts to organize Pride events have frequently faced backlash, including counter-protests and violent confrontations.
With the parliament dominated by Georgian Dream, the governing party, owing to a boycott by opposition parties, any legislation supported by the government is almost bound to become law.
“There is a legislative proposal on the ban of LGBT marches and relevant colorful items, which will be forwarded to the Human Rights Committee [for consideration],” Papuashvili said.
Although the full content of the bill has not yet been released, its title and initial statements indicate an intent to limit public expressions linked to the LGBT community—such as marches, rallies and the display of symbols like rainbow flags.
The legislation is the latest step by the Georgian authorities appearing to target LGBT people in the country.
In October 2024, parliament finalized and signed into law the “Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors,” following a heated parliamentary session. This included banning LGBT propaganda, same-sex marriage, gender reassignment surgeries, and public marches or events promoting LGBT rights.
The law was seen as a significant step toward reinforcing traditional values and was heavily criticized by opposition parties, civil society and Western governments.
Papuashvili admitted that the move runs contrary to political policies in the West, Reuters reported.
“This law does not reflect current, temporary, changing ideas and ideologies but is based on common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian and European values.”
The proposed legislation comes amid ongoing tensions over LGBT rights in Georgia. In recent years, efforts to organize Pride events have frequently faced backlash, including counter-protests and violent confrontations.
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