US poised to pass law 'similar to Georgia's family values ​​law'

Georgian Prime Minister Iraqi Kobakhidze claimed on Monday that the United States would pass a law “similar” to the controversial law on family values ​​and the protection of minors passed earlier this year by the new US administration following the presidential election The country's parliament was passed month.

In a statement in Baku on the sidelines of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, Kobakhidze defended the Georgian law against both national and international criticism.

The prime minister dismissed concerns that the bill could violate human rights, particularly the rights of sexual minorities, saying: “These issues are particularly relevant in the United States, where unfortunate trends in many directions are more pronounced.”

Kobakhidze addressed further criticism, arguing that the law was drafted “in accordance with the social needs of the country.” He added: “If someone proves to us that there is something wrong with this law, then let's discuss it. We believe that every provision in the Law on Family Values ​​and Protection of Minors serves the interests of society and the country.”

The prime minister also compared the law to another controversial foreign influence transparency article, which requires the registration of non-commercial legal entities and media companies in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from the Abroad and was sharply criticized by Georgia's Western allies because of the possible impact on civil society.

The same applies to the law on the transparency of foreign influence. If someone can demonstrate that transparency in NGOs is problematic, we are open to that discussion,” he noted.

The official reiterated the government's “openness to dialogue” and pointed to “past efforts” to invite foreign diplomats, international partners, protesters and political parties to debate and discuss the laws.

Each time they rejected the opportunity for dialogue, perhaps because they lacked convincing legal or political arguments,” the Prime Minister explained.

Kobakhidze also stressed the desire for “constructive and respectful conversations” on these issues, saying: “If someone can show us that the opacity of NGOs is better than transparency or that protecting family values ​​and minors is unimportant, we are open to that Dialogue.” But we need healthy discussions, not the aggressive rhetoric we often hear.”

Finally, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of public discourse, noting: “We have always been and are ready for public discussion. It is important that the public hears and understands the content of these discussions.”

So far, we have put forward arguments while opponents of the law have only made hostile statements with no substance,” he claimed.

Kobakhidze added: “If anyone can prove that these laws violate any legal principles, we are open to hearing it, but we need concrete arguments.”