Georgian lawmakers have approved a law on 'family values and the protection of minors' that imposes significant restrictions on LGBTQ rights. The bill, passed in its third and final reading, allows authorities to ban Pride events, public displays of the LGBTQ rainbow flag, and censor films and books.
The ruling Georgian Dream party argues that the law is necessary to uphold traditional moral standards in Georgia, where the Orthodox Church wields considerable influence. Critics, however, view the legislation as a political move to garner conservative support ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election on October 26.
