The Georgian Parliament on Thursday approved a package of draft laws that restrict the rights of LGBT people in the first reading, with a vote of 78 in favor in the 150-member state legislature. 

The legislation, titled On Family Values and Protection of Minors, includes significant amendments to the Georgian Law On Freedom of Speech and Expression. Under the proposed changes, it will become impermissible to publicly hold gatherings or demonstrations that promote a gender identity different from one's biological sex, relationships expressed as a sign of sexual orientation, or incest between individuals of the same biological sex.

The amendments also extend to the Broadcasting Law, mandating that broadcasters refrain from airing advertisements and information promoting LGBT relationships and incest. Additionally, the broadcast of footage depicting LGBT sex and incest on television will be prohibited. The initial vote on the draft law, set for June 26, was rescheduled to June 27 at the suggestion of parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze, who cited the absence of opposition members as the reason for the change.

The vote on draft constitutional amendments further limiting the rights of LGBT persons has been postponed indefinitely. Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili explained that the opposition needs to express its position on this issue. A significant portion of the opposition is currently boycotting parliamentary sessions over a separate issue, leading to their absence during this vote.

On June 26, members of the parliamentary political group Girchi expressed critical opinions about the draft law. The parliamentary majority plans to adopt the package of laws in the second and third readings during the autumn session, which begins on September 3. The spring session of Parliament will conclude on June 28.

The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe also slammed the bills, with the GD officials accusing the body of making alleged calls to legalize the same-sex marriage.