Georgia’s recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws highlight a pivotal struggle between aligning with European democratic values and regressive influences from Russia.

On September 17, Georgian lawmakers enacted a highly controversial bill that imposes severe restrictions on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Following President Salome Zourabichvili’s refusal to sign the legislation, the Speaker of the Parliament confirmed the law within five days, illustrating the contentious political dynamics at play. This sweeping measure limits public expressions of gender identity, restricts the dissemination of LGBTQ+ content in media and educational institutions, and outright bans same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples. These actions have been unfolding against the backdrop of escalating concerns over rising homophobia in Georgia, fueled by the tacit support of the Georgian Orthodox Church for the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The implementation of this law has not only deepened societal divisions within Georgia but has also endangered the country’s already precarious relationship with the European Union. The EU has expressed growing concerns about Georgia’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. Meanwhile, opposition parties remain fractured, attempting to strike a delicate balance between appealing to conservative voters and maintaining their political relevance. Instead of outright condemning the law as undemocratic, opposition leaders have characterized it as ill-timed. Mamuka Dinat, the leader of the Georgian Dream party, defends the bill as a necessary safeguard against what he terms “LGBTQ+ propaganda.” He emphasizes the need to prohibit same-sex marriage, claiming that it could lead to societal harm over generations.

With 84 votes in favor and no recorded opposition, the bill passed during a plenary session marked by the absence of several boycotting opposition lawmakers. This absence underscores the heightened polarization within Georgian politics. Human rights advocates argue that the law is designed to distract from pressing domestic challenges, erect new barriers to European integration, and reflect the growing influence of pro-Russian factions in the region’s geopolitical landscape.

The European Union has long been a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, viewing inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of its democratic ethos. In 2015, the EU Commission introduced its first policy framework to combat discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant milestone in the fight for equality. Substantial progress has been made across member states, with countries like Malta, Belgium, and Spain establishing comprehensive legal protections against hate crimes and discrimination. Nevertheless, challenges persist. A 2024 survey by the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency revealed a concerning increase in hate-motivated violence, particularly against transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals. In response, the European Commission launched the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020–2025, reaffirming its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights across the bloc.

Globally, nations such as Sweden and Argentina have emerged as progressive leaders in LGBTQ+ policies. Sweden legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and continues to update its legislation to reflect evolving societal norms. For example, in 2024, Sweden approved a measure allowing individuals aged 16 and older to change their legal gender. Argentina, the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, passed a groundbreaking Gender Identity Law in 2012, enabling individuals to change their legal gender without medical intervention. These nations exemplify how progressive legislation can transform societal attitudes, despite ongoing challenges such as violence and discrimination.

Georgia’s ruling party, however, seems to be drawing inspiration from Russia, where regressive policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been in place since 2013. That year, Russia enacted a law banning “gay propaganda” and severely restricting LGBTQ+ representation in public spaces, solidifying a conservative nationalist agenda. By aligning with such policies, Georgia risks further alienating the European Union. Although 80% of Georgians support EU membership, many fear that the government’s actions signal a shift toward Russia, whose influence continues to loom large in the region.

The global fight for LGBTQ+ rights remains a patchwork of progress and setbacks. In India, the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn Section 377 decriminalized homosexuality, yet same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. Civil society groups continue to advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and marriage equality. Meanwhile, countries like Taiwan and Thailand have made significant strides by legalizing same-sex unions, setting important precedents for progress in the Global South.

Georgia’s embrace of anti-LGBTQ+ policies underscores the broader struggle for human rights and democratic values in an increasingly polarized world. Aligning its policies with the European Union and rejecting regressive influences would allow Georgia to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity and secure its place within the international order. The choice Georgia makes now will not only shape its domestic future but also define its standing on the global stage.