Georgian PM defends laws on transparency, family values, counters criticism from West

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday defended the Government’s stance on the controversial law on the transparency of foreign influence and a legislation on family values and protection of minors, adopted by the country’s Parliament this year, countering criticism from western allies as “unsubstantiated”.

In his interview to the Georgian Public Broadcaster, the official further criticised the domestic opposition for their branding the transparency law - 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 - as a “Russian law”, framing it instead as an “essential step toward accountability”.

The fundamental message we receive is that NGO obscurity is preferable to transparency. How can this idea come from Europe or America?”, the PM asked. 

He stressed “similar legislation” existed in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia, questioning the Western criticism of his Government’s initiative.

Kobakhidze also addressed concerns over a parallel law, on “family values” and for regulating LGBT-related content to “protect minors”.

The legislation, signed by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili in October after its approval by the legislative body, calls for prohibition of “production of LGBT propaganda” in educational institutions - in particular, dissemination of information “aimed at the promotion of a person's belonging to a different gender than their own, same-sex relationships or incest”. 

The PM claimed the law “does not infringe on individual rights, but seeks to limit propaganda perceived as harmful to traditional values and demographics”.

The official highlighted “increasing LGBT representation” in Western youth demographics, suggesting the rise had been “driven” by the alleged “propaganda” and asserting Georgia “must avoid such trends”. 

The only restriction under this law is on crude propaganda, which has led to severe societal consequences in various European countries and the United States”, he claimed.Traditionally, LGBT representation was two to three percent, based on research. However, today, in the 18-25 age group, this figure has risen to about 20 percent, and for 26-32-year-olds, it stands at seven percent”, the Government head also said.

“This suggests that, over a seven-year interval, the number of LGBT individuals in these societies has tripled due to propaganda. Even given Georgia's demographic challenges, we cannot afford to exacerbate the issues further for pragmatic reasons”, Kobakhidze alleged. 

The PM expressed confidence that shifts in the US Government following presidential elections would “eventually validate” his Government’s approach, and the country would not “receive criticism for the simple truth”. 

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

He further noted the US approach was expected to influence European perspectives, leading to similar legislation there, adding the Georgian Government “remains open to discussion” and pointing out that  “if they prove any inconsistencies with legal principles or values, we will reconsider [the laws]. But first, let them show us what is wrong [with them]”.