Georgia's “family values” law sparks controversy ahead of election

In a move that sparked political controversy, Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of Georgia's parliament, announced via Facebook the signing of a controversial draft law on “family values.” The law, passed just weeks before a crucial election, targets LGBT rights by banning gender transitions and potentially pride marches.

Despite the president's opposition, lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party passed the law, saying it protected Georgia's Orthodox Christian Church. President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic, refused to endorse the law, citing concerns about its impact on democracy and foreign relations.

Critics, including Western nations, view the bill as a shift toward authoritarianism and accuse Georgian Dream of exploiting conservative sentiments to ensure electoral success. As the country moves closer to its elections, the passage of the law underscores the ongoing tensions between East-West ties in Georgian politics.

(With contributions from agencies.)