Georgia govt declares May 17 as public holiday for family sanctity, amidst mass rallies

The Government of Georgia on Thursday declared May 17, 2024, a public holiday in recognition of the day of sanctity of the family and respect for parents. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze endorsed the decision by signing the corresponding document earlier during the, amid mass  protests in the capital against foreign transparency bill. 

May 17 holds significance internationally as the day of fight against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, first observed in 2005. This date was chosen symbolically, marking the removal of homosexuality from the list of diseases by the World Health Organization on May 17, 1990.

In 2014, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II designated May 17 as the day of sanctity of the family and respect for parents.

In the current context, discussions are also ongoing regarding proposed constitutional amendments by the parliamentary majority Georgian Dream, which some argue may impact the rights and freedom of expression of sexual minorities.