Anti-LGBT law adopted in the first reading in Georgia

Protests against the adoption of an anti-LGBT law in Georgia. Photo: Civil Georgia

The Georgian Parliament supported in the first reading a package of laws restricting LGBT rights, reports Civil Georgia.

The legislative package includes 19 draft laws, with the main one concerning "Family Values and the Protection of Minors", and the remaining 18 being derivative projects. According to the authors, the initiative aims to "strengthen family values based on the union of man and woman and mechanisms for the protection of minors".

The drafts define the terms "man" and "woman," prohibit gender reassignment surgeries, broadcasting of sexual scenes involving LGBT individuals, and other measures.

Ahead of the vote on the draft law, the Venice Commission urged Georgia not to adopt it, warning that it could create a hostile atmosphere towards LGBT individuals in the country.

As reported by the UOJ, Bishop Markell of the Orthodox Church of Moldova's Bălți and Fălești Diocese was ordered to pay monetary compensation to LGBT community representatives for moral damages.

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