EU deplores Georgian Parliament’s “rushed adoption” of “family values” bill

The European Union has condemned the Georgian Parliament’s “hasty adoption” of a legislative package on “family values and protection of minors” during its second reading on Wednesday.

The EU expressed concerns that the legislation undermines the fundamental rights of Georgian citizens and risks increasing stigmatization and discrimination within the population.

The EU criticized the passage of the bill without proper public consultation or a thorough analysis of its compliance with European and international standards, noting that such legislation could have significant repercussions on Georgia’s EU integration path.

In light of the concerns, the EU has called on the Georgian authorities to reconsider the legislative package entirely. The EU also warned that, combined with restrictions on civil society imposed by the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, this proposal could further strain EU-Georgia relations.

The EU reiterated that Georgia’s accession process was effectively stalled and urged the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to the EU integration path.