On Wednesday, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, expressed concern about the present political discourse in Georgia. This concern arises from the announcement made by the Georgian Dream Party regarding their initiative to amend the Constitution and adopt a new constitutional law on “Protection of Family Values and Underaged Persons.”
Mijatović highlighted that this initiative reflects entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people prevalent in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians. Such discourse can significantly impact the human rights, safety, and well-being of LGBTI individuals and their defenders. Additionally, it represents political manipulation of LGBTI-phobia in the run-up to elections, which should have no place in a democratic society based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
LGBTI people in Georgia continue to face hate crimes and pervasive discrimination. Mijatović has consistently called on Georgian authorities to commit to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination and incitement to violence targeting LGBTI individuals.
She also urged politicians to denounce discriminatory rhetoric during electoral campaigns. Mijatović stands in solidarity with those advocating for human rights and equality in Georgian society, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful country that respects the dignity of all its members.
