Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner, Dunja Mijatovic, this week criticized the recent move by the ruling Georgian Dream party to propose amendments targeting alleged LGBT propaganda through introducing amendments “protecting family values”. 

Mijatovic labeled the initiative, which came ahead of the October general elections, as "pre-election manipulation fueled by LGBTI-phobia," emphasizing such actions contradicted the principles of a democratic society founded on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

In her statement, the official urged the Georgian authorities, as a member state of the CoE, to uphold their obligations in safeguarding human rights, including those of LGBT individuals, and to create a conducive environment for the operation of civil society and human rights activities.

She called upon all Georgian politicians to “unequivocally denounce” any employment of LGBT-phobia or discriminatory rhetoric during election campaigns.

Mijatovic further cautioned against the harmful impact of the GD initiative, asserting that it reinforced damaging stereotypes and prejudices against LGBT individuals prevalent in certain segments of Georgian society and political circles. She warned that such measures could jeopardize the safety and well-being of LGBT people.

Highlighting ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals in Georgia, Mijatovic reiterated her calls for the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination and incitement to violence.

The proposed constitutional amendments, unveiled by the leader of the parliamentary majority on March 25, include provisions that would restrict the rights of LGBT individuals. These measures encompass prohibitions on same-sex couples adopting minors, bans on medical interventions related to gender reassignment, and restrictions on assemblies and the dissemination of materials advocating for LGBT rights or gender-affirming medical procedures.