Georgia defends anti-LGBT law despite EU pressure for integration

The ruling party, Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia, has firmly stated that it will not repeal its controversial law banning LGBT propaganda, despite significant pressure from the European Union regarding the country's integration process.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the party's executive secretary, emphasized that the government prioritizes its traditional values over European standards, even if this decision delays Georgia's accession to the EU, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

Mdinaradze remarked, "Even if we are temporarily hindered in something by the anti-LGBT law, we will disregard these 'European values.' It is better for us to be two or three years late with EU integration than to cancel the law against LGBT propaganda."

He further asserted that the government will not compromise the future of generations for what he termed "mercantile political goals."

The law, which was passed by the Georgian Parliament on September 17, prohibits discussions related to LGBT issues and seeks to clarify legal matters concerning marriage, adoption, and guardianship. Mdinaradze reiterated that LGBT propaganda does not represent what he considers European values, stating, "We do not want such a Europe and cannot imagine such a Europe."

Brussels said that the package of proposed laws "undermines fundamental rights of Georgians and risks further stigmatization and discrimination of part of the population." The EU has said the bill's adoption would have "important repercussions" on EU-hopeful Tbilisi's European integration path and "will place further strain on EU-Georgia relations."

"The EU recalls that Georgia's accession process is de facto halted and urges the authorities to recommit to the EU integration path."

By Vafa Guliyeva