UN, EU and embassies speak out in support of LGBTQI+ in Georgia
The authorities and civil society in Georgia are making efforts to protect the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ people, but minorities are still subjected to harassment, discrimination and violence, according to a joint statement by the UN, European Union and several embassies in the country.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili stated that about 90% of residents of Georgia hold conservative views - Christian, family and patriotic values are a priority for the population. At the same time the prime minister stated that LGBT propaganda poisoning children is unacceptable.
"We recognize the efforts of various government agencies and civil society organizations to fully ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms," the statement said. Although we are concerned that despite efforts, progress in this direction has been stalled," the statement said.
It also notes that Georgia's Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination has been protecting people from discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity since 2014, which is welcomed.
In addition, the statement said that since 2015, the number of people in Georgia who say that the rights of LGBTQIA+ people should be protected has doubled.
According to the statement, LGBTQI+ people in Georgia experience daily harassment, discrimination and stigma, hostility and violence. They have no opportunity to live with dignity as free and equal members of Georgian society.
"Stigmatization, discriminatory language and hate speech by some government officials, politicians, media and members of the clergy contribute to more harassment of LGBTQI+ persons and endanger their lives," the statement said.
The statement, which was joined by embassies of countries including the United States, Britain, Austria, Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria, Israel, Greece, France and others, was issued on the occasion of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). The day is observed annually on May 17.
In Georgia, believers celebrate Family Cohesion and Holiness Day on May 17.
Family Cohesion and Holiness Day was established in Georgia after 2013, when opponents of the LGBT community violently broke up an anti-homophobia rally. About 30 people were injured as a result of their actions on May 17, 2013. Since then, LGBTQ advocates' rallies have been heavily policed, and Family Sanctity Day has become a widely celebrated holiday among the population.
sputnik-georgia.ru
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UN, EU and embassies speak out in support of LGBTQI+ in Georgia
The authorities and civil society in Georgia are making efforts to protect the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ people, but minorities are still subjected to harassment, discrimination and violence, according to a joint statement by the UN, European Union and several embassies in the country.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili stated that about 90% of residents of Georgia hold conservative views - Christian, family and patriotic values are a priority for the population. At the same time the prime minister stated that LGBT propaganda poisoning children is unacceptable.
"We recognize the efforts of various government agencies and civil society organizations to fully ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms," the statement said. Although we are concerned that despite efforts, progress in this direction has been stalled," the statement said.
It also notes that Georgia's Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination has been protecting people from discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity since 2014, which is welcomed.
In addition, the statement said that since 2015, the number of people in Georgia who say that the rights of LGBTQIA+ people should be protected has doubled.
According to the statement, LGBTQI+ people in Georgia experience daily harassment, discrimination and stigma, hostility and violence. They have no opportunity to live with dignity as free and equal members of Georgian society.
"Stigmatization, discriminatory language and hate speech by some government officials, politicians, media and members of the clergy contribute to more harassment of LGBTQI+ persons and endanger their lives," the statement said.
The statement, which was joined by embassies of countries including the United States, Britain, Austria, Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria, Israel, Greece, France and others, was issued on the occasion of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). The day is observed annually on May 17.
In Georgia, believers celebrate Family Cohesion and Holiness Day on May 17.
Family Cohesion and Holiness Day was established in Georgia after 2013, when opponents of the LGBT community violently broke up an anti-homophobia rally. About 30 people were injured as a result of their actions on May 17, 2013. Since then, LGBTQ advocates' rallies have been heavily policed, and Family Sanctity Day has become a widely celebrated holiday among the population.
sputnik-georgia.ru
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