Georgia has passed a law banning the promotion of LGBT*, a movement recognized as extremist in Russia (banned in the Russian Federation).
The document was signed by the head of the Georgian parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.
According to the TASS news agency, the country's president, Salome Zurabishvili, refused to approve this law.
Statement by the Speaker of Parliament
Today, in accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, I am signing the law “On the Protection of Family Values and Minors,” which Salome Zurabishvili refused to sign, Papuashvili reported on one of the social networks.
In his opinion, the document is based “on common sense, historical experience and Christian, Georgian and European values that have been strengthened over centuries.”
He called the head of state’s decision to refuse to sign the law symbolic, while describing Zurabishvili as a “nominal leader of the opposition.”
Among the key points of the law, we note the amendments related to the ban on the registration of any marriages other than the union of a man and a woman.
Homosexual couples are also prohibited from adopting minors, as well as from undergoing sex reassignment surgeries.
Violation of the taboo is punishable by imprisonment for a period of 1 to 4 years.
Measures against propaganda
For propaganda of LGBT* in educational institutions, individuals will be fined 1,500 lari (over $555), and legal entities will be fined 4,000 lari (over $1,400).
Broadcasters are prohibited from showing intimate same-sex scenes or advertising with such content on air.
Distributors of advertising with LGBT* themes face a fine of 800 lari (about $297), and for legal entities the amount is higher – 2,500 lari (about $929).
The fine for distributing content about gender reassignment or same-sex relationships among minors will be 1,000 lari (about $371), and legal entities will be fined 3,000 lari (over $1,100).
Public gatherings aimed at promoting LGBT* issues are also prohibited.
* The movement is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia
