Georgia's controversial, Russia-like "foreign agent" bill becomes law after weeks of protests
CBSMay 25
The Facts
Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday approved the third and final reading of the LGBTQ+ bill entitled "On Family Values and Protection of Minors" — which consists of 18 amendments to existing laws — by a vote of 84-0.
The legislation outlaws same-sex marriages, public depictions of LGBTQ+ material — including in films and books — and gender-reassignment health care, as well as prohibits LGBTQ+ events and the adoption of children by non-heterosexual couples.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This law is yet another Kremlin-style repressive initiative aimed at imposing discriminatory restrictions on Georgia's LGBTQ+ community. By modeling legislation on its autocratic eastern neighbor's anti-West rhetoric, the government is backsliding on human rights. It's a shame that the Georgian Dream party is exploiting anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes to boost conservative support before the elections instead of building an equal and accepting society.
Establishment-critical narrative
This law isn't making Georgia "more Russian." The country's constitution bans same-sex marriage. The government is just following the same premises and introducing initiatives necessary to combat the West's LGBTQ+ propaganda, safeguard its traditional standards, and strengthen family values. The government can't prioritize EU membership over Georgia's best interests.
Narrative C
The opposition boycotting Tuesday's vote underscores Georgia's dramatically polarized political landscape. Though a Georgian Dream loss in October may not guarantee the bill is rolled back simply because the country isn't overtly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, the only way to take a stand in a region beset by state and religious homophobia is for the community to go in great numbers to the elections and vote for change.