Kesaria Abramidze, a transgender model and actor, was murdered inside her apartment last Wednesday, only a day after the government passed a sweeping measure that severely restricted LGBTQ+ rights. This tragic incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights and LGBTQ+ groups, who fear that the new legislation may incite hate crimes and violence against the LGBTQ+ community in the country. The bill, introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, includes bans on same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples, gender-affirming treatment, and changing gender designations in official documents. Some of these measures align with existing Georgian laws, while others are seen as targeting transgender individuals and perpetuating negative stereotypes.
The European Commission and LGBTQ+ groups have criticized the new legislation, with Vice-President Josep Borrell stating that it undermines fundamental rights and increases discrimination and stigmatization. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, defended the bill, claiming it upholds traditional Christian values and protects minors and families. However, experts believe that the measure may be politically motivated, aimed at garnering support for the ruling party ahead of parliamentary elections. Critics argue that the legislation mirrors similar laws in Russia, which have been used to suppress dissent and silence opposition, and may jeopardize Georgia’s potential accession to the European Union.
The passing of this controversial legislation has reignited tensions in Georgia, with concerns over the impact it could have on LGBTQ+ communities in the country. LGBTQ+ groups have expressed fears that the bill will lead to an increase in hate crimes and violence against their community. Activists warn that such laws send a dangerous message that can be interpreted as permission to discriminate and vilify LGBTQ+ individuals. The tragic murder of Kesaria Abramidze serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of legislation that targets marginalized communities and restricts their rights.
Georgia’s new legislation, which has drawn criticism from the European Union and human rights organizations, shares similarities with laws implemented in Russia over the past decade. Critics believe that these laws are aimed at protecting “traditional family values” and silencing critics, echoing Kremlin policies. The European Union had previously paused Georgia’s accession process and withheld financial support due to concerns over another controversial law introduced by the ruling party. Protests erupted in Georgia over the so-called “foreign influence law,” which required media and NGOs to register with authorities if they received more than 20% of funding from abroad, mirroring Russian policies that restrict freedom of speech and suppress dissent.
As tensions escalate over the new legislation in Georgia, concerns over the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country continue to grow. The murder of Kesaria Abramidze has shed light on the potential consequences of such laws, which may embolden hate crimes and discrimination against marginalized communities. While the Georgian government defends the legislation as upholding traditional values and protecting minors, critics argue that it undermines fundamental rights and freedom of expression. The ongoing backlash from human rights and LGBTQ+ groups, as well as the European Union, highlights the international concern over the erosion of rights and freedoms in Georgia and raises questions about the country’s path towards European integration.
