On September 17, 2024, in its third reading, the Georgian Parliament passed a legislative package that undermines the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia. This package poses serious threats to fundamental human rights and freedoms, restricting freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, and fostering oppression and hate.
The homophobic legislative package adopted in the third reading enforces censorship by prohibiting the sharing of information, opinions, and ideas on the topics deemed undesirable by certain groups, as well as restricting any form of public assembly or demonstration. By legalising censorship and banning peaceful gatherings, this package endangers not just specific communities but society as a whole, as such measures are often the first steps toward restricting freedom of expression and establishing authoritarian rule.
The state's use of political homophobia fuels the oppression of the LGBTQ community and systematically violates their rights. This homophobic and censorship-imposing legislative package not only threatens democracy but also undermines Georgia's path toward integration with the European Union, contradicting the strong will of the Georgian people, as reinforced by Article 78 of the Constitution.
On September 18, just one day after the legislative package was passed in its third reading, transgender woman Kesaria Abramidze was brutally murdered in her home. This tragic event starkly illustrates the dangerous consequences of legitimising homo/bi and transphobic hate.
The Coalition for Equality expresses deep sorrow over this tragedy and extends heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones. The coalition believes this tragic case is closely linked to the state's policies of hatred and oppression towards the LGBTQ community. It is essential for the relevant authorities to conduct a timely and thorough investigation.
The Coalition for Equality calls for the following actions:
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia must conduct all necessary investigative actions in the case of Kesaria Abramidze’s brutal murder, ensuring a timely and thorough process.
The Public Defender of Georgia should actively monitor the investigation, utilising all granted powers and best established practices.
The President of Georgia should veto this legislative package to uphold the Constitution, protect freedom of speech, and honour the Georgian people’s aspirations for European Union integration.
