EU urges Georgia to withdraw law “restricting LGBTQ rights”, freedom of expression

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has called on Georgia to withdraw a controversial law “limiting LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression”.

The legislation, which was passed in its third reading by the Georgian Parliament on Tuesday, has faced significant international and domestic criticism. Borrell made his appeal via social media platform X.

“The Georgian Parliament adopted laws on ‘family values and protection of minors’ which will undermine the fundamental rights of the people and increase discrimination and stigmatization.

I call on Georgia to withdraw this legislation, further derailing the country from its EU path”, the official said.

The Venice Commission had previously issued critical recommendations on the draft law, urging the Georgian Parliament to cease further work on it. EU spokesperson Peter Stano also voiced concerns, saying that the legislation “undermines fundamental rights and poses a threat of further stigmatization and discrimination against a segment of the population.”

Additionally, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, sent a letter to the Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament, urging lawmakers to refrain from adopting a law that restricts the rights of LGBTQ individuals.