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July 1, 2024

Georgian Parliament Advances Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation That Would Ban Pride Events
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Millions of people took to the streets of cities across the globe over
the weekend to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride events. In Bogotá, Colombia,
thousands of Pride participants marched against so-called "conversion
therapy" which aims to change a person's sexuality through
interventions. A bill under consideration in Colombia's Legislature
would ban the practice, which has been described by a U.N. expert on
sexual orientation as "torture."

In the Republic of Georgia, lawmakers have granted initial approval to
several bills cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights, including bans on the
so-called propaganda of same-sex relationships, gender reassignment
surgery and even the display of rainbow flags. The bills mirror
anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by Russia. This is Tamar Jakeli, director
of Tblisi Pride in Georgia's capital city.

Tamar Jakeli: "Pride march or Pride events could no longer be held
legally. So, even though in the past, practically, we had difficulties
holding these, now it's going to be illegal. And basically, if I want to
hold a Pride march or any demonstration, in fact, about LGBT rights, at
first I will get fined, and then I might even face charges, like to go
to prison."



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