Georgian President Refuses To Sign Anti-LGBTQ Bill Into Law
2 years ago 1 min read
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Georgia’s President, Salome Zurabishvili, has refused to sign into law a controversial bill curbing the rights of LGBTQ people, officials said Wednesday.
The Parliament had on Sept. 17 voted in favour of the bill banning same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care and depictions of LGBTQ+ identities in the media.
The bill, dubbed the “family values” bill, also provides a legal basis for authorities to outlaw Pride events and displays of the rainbow flag.
“President Zurabishvili refused to sign the bill and returned to parliament without vetoing it,” presidency spokeswoman Marika Bochoidze, told AFP on Wednesday.
With the president refusing to approve the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, it will return to parliament where it is expected to be made law soon.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill was introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party earlier this year ahead of the forthcoming elections, where the party is seeking a fourth term in office.
Activists have stated that the proposed legislation aims to boost their conservative support.
The proposed bill, if passed, will ban gender transition, and adoption by gay and transgender people, and nullify same-sex marriages performed abroad.
