Georgia - March 2024

Georgia’s ruling party introduced constitutional amendments on 25 March that would significantly curtail LGBTQIA+ rights by banning sex changes, adoption by same-sex couples and banning any gathering that might “popularise same-sex family or intimate relations.” The draft amendments have been condemned by local civil society organizations and political opposition, both on the grounds that they are homophobic and discriminatory and as damaging to Georgia’s goal of joining the European Union. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in the capital Tbilisi, referring to the amendments as the “Russian law” after the largely similar legislation passed in Russia in 2012. Georgian Dream has tried to pass similar legislation before without success, and the proposed amendments need to be passed by both this and the next parliament in order to take effect.

Sources: OC Media, Reuters, Civil.ge

Parliament voted to override a presidential veto and change Georgia’s electoral code on 19 March, transferring the authority to nominate candidates for the Chairman and members of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) from the president to the speaker of the parliament and lowering the threshold for parliamentary approval. The amendments also abolish the position of Deputy Chairman, which was the formal representative of the parliamentary opposition in the CEC. Opposition political parties and domestic CSOs argued the amendments damage the CEC’s neutrality, are contrary to the conditions of its European Union membership application and contradict recommendations from the Venice Commission. The ruling Georgian Dream party argued the changes were necessary to prevent the opposition from “sabotaging” the CEC before this year’s elections.

Sources: Civil.ge (1), Civil.ge (2), Civil.ge (3), 1TV