Georgia's prime minister and tens of thousands of people participated in a march through the capital, Tbilisi, to commemorate the Day of Family Purity. This day, initiated by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2013, celebrates traditional family values in a country where there is strong opposition towards sexual minorities.
The march, which also took place in over 20 other cities, saw participants carrying icons, Christian emblems, and donning traditional costumes with intricate patterns. However, liberal groups have raised concerns as the event coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili were among the marchers in Tbilisi. The procession culminated at the Trinity Cathedral, where Kobakhidze lauded the event for safeguarding the country's identity, language, and faith.
One participant, Rusudan Tabatadze, emphasized the importance of defending faith, citing the historical significance of faith in Georgian culture. The ruling Georgian Dream Party recently introduced a bill that restricts LGBTQ+ rights, proposing bans on sex changes, adoption by same-sex couples, and events promoting same-sex relations.
Moreover, Georgian Dream passed a bill requiring news media and NGOs to register as 'agents of foreign influence' if they receive over 20% of their funding from abroad. This move sparked widespread protests in Tbilisi, with critics likening it to Russian regulations.
President Salome Zourabichvili has expressed intentions to veto the bill, which opponents argue could hinder Georgia's EU aspirations. However, supporters hold sufficient parliamentary seats to override a potential veto.
Georgia has witnessed heightened tensions over divergent sexual norms, exemplified by an incident last year where opponents of gay rights disrupted an LGBTQ+ festival in Tbilisi, leading to its cancellation.
