US official raises concerns over Georgia’s “restrictive legislation”

Jim O’Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, has expressed serious concerns regarding the recently adopted law on Family Values and Protection of Minors in Georgia, saying it restricts freedoms and poses a risk of distancing the country from Europe.

In a social media statement, O’Brien emphasized that the US will always advocate for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all
individuals.

“Concerned about the legislation signed into law that restricts freedoms and risks moving Georgia away from Europe. The US will always speak up in defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,” O’Brien stated.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has enacted the law on Family Values and Protection of Minors, which is now in effect. It introduces significant changes to 18 existing laws, including the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression. The legislation imposes new restrictions on public speech and expression that could be interpreted as promoting sexual orientation differing from one’s biological sex, same-sex relationships, or incest.