Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the parliamentary majority, on Monday emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the promotion of non-traditional lifestyles and the protection of human rights during a public discussion on the constitutional amendments On Family Values and Protection of Minors in Kutaisi.

Mdinaradze asserted that “while tolerance cannot be taught”, it was imperative to “safeguard children, future generations, and the cultural integrity of the nation”. Reflecting on the 2017 constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman, Mdinaradze highlighted the need to preserve Georgian societal norms amidst evolving global legal landscapes.

He stressed the necessity of preventing the conflation of rights protection with propaganda, urging a clear differentiation between respecting individual choices and safeguarding traditional values. 

Mdinaradze underscored the principle of equal rights for all citizens, emphasizing that personal lifestyle choices should never serve as grounds for discrimination.

Furthermore, Mdinaradze cited research findings, such as those from the Gallup study, to support the notion that the promotion of non-traditional lifestyles could impact societal norms. He advocated for a balanced approach that upholds individual rights while prioritizing the preservation of family values and cultural heritage.