US poised to adopt law “similar to Georgia’s family values legislation” - Georgian PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday claimed the United States was set to adopt legislation “similar” to the controversial law on family values and protection of minors, approved by the country’s Parliament this year, through the incoming US administration following the presidential elections earlier this month. 

In comments made in Baku on the sidelines of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, Kobakhidze defended the Georgian law against both domestic and international criticism.

The PM dismissed concerns that the legislative piece could infringe on human rights, particularly the rights of sexual minorities, saying “these issues are especially relevant in the United States, where unfortunate trends in many directions have become more pronounced”. 

Addressing further criticism, Kobakhidze argued the law was crafted “in line with the nation’s societal needs”, adding “if someone proves to us that there is something wrong with this law, then let us discuss it. We believe every provision in the law on family values and protection of minors serves the interests of society and the country”.

The PM also compared the law to another contentious piece, on the transparency of foreign influence, which requires registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad, and has faced strong criticism from Georgia’s Western allies over its potential impact on civil society. 

The same applies to the law on transparency of foreign influence. If someone can demonstrate that transparency in NGOs is problematic, we are open to that discussion”, he noted.

The official reiterated the Government’s “openness to dialogue”, highlighting “past efforts” to invite foreign diplomats, international partners, protestors, and political parties to debate and discuss the laws.

Each time, they have declined the opportunity for dialogue, perhaps because they lack a strong case either legally or politically”, the PM asserted. 

Kobakhidze further highlighted a desire for “constructive and respectful conversations” on the issues, saying, “if someone can show us that the opacity of NGOs is better than transparency or that protecting family values and minors is unimportant, we are open to dialogue. But we need healthy discussions, not the aggressive rhetoric we often hear”.

In conclusion, the PM stressed the importance of public discourse, noting “we have always been, and remain, ready for public discussion. It is essential that the public hears and understands the content of these discussions”.

Until now, we have presented arguments, while opponents of the laws have offered only hostile statements without substance”, he alleged.

Kobakhidze added “if anyone can demonstrate that any legal principles are violated by these laws, we are open to hearing it, but we need concrete arguments”.