Georgian parliament speaker signs law curbing LGBT rights
NBCSep 23
The Facts
The Republic of Georgia's parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday signed into law a controversial "family values" bill related to LGBTQ+ policies in the country.
This comes a day after Pres. Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of the governing Georgian Dream party, refused to sign the bill, instead sending it back to parliament without vetoing it.
The Spin
Narrative A
The law protects traditional Georgian values and the rights of all citizens. It's based on common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old cultural norms. The legislation ensures that freedom of expression doesn't violate others' rights, which is the essence of true democracy.
Narrative B
This legislation further marginalizes an already vulnerable community and could lead to increased violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. It's a cynical attempt by the ruling party to shore up support among conservative voters ahead of the Oct. 26 parliamentary election at the expense of human rights.
