In a move that has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and activists, Georgia recently passed new, controversial laws banning the free share of information about LGBTQIA topics. This legislation, reminiscent of Russia's infamous "gay propaganda" law, represents a significant setback for LGBTQIA rights in the country. 

They prohibit medical operations that would result in the change of gender, adoption of orphan kids by non-heterosexual unions, registration of “alternative marriage unions” and the provision of information that could be interpreted as “propaganda of belonging to the opposite sex, same-sex relations or incest” in the fields of education and/or media. We consider this law to be against the principle of human rights and not befitting of any country that strives to join the European Union.

Also, to add salt to the wound, they plan to introduce a new public holiday, the Day of the Sanctity of the Family. It is planned to be celebrated on May 17, the same day as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. We consider this step symbolic and disdainful for every queer person in Georgia.

As you know, we already published a post with support for protesters, and we still stand with them to this day. These laws and steps, in our view, are made solely for religious fundamentalism, not for promotion of human rights.

We urge with other members of the international community to watch the situation closely, and for the acting president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, to not sign the law into force.

Sincerely,
FUR/HELP