In a recent statement on social media, the British Embassy expressed deep concern over the adoption of the legislative package titled "Family Values and Protection of Minors." Ambassador Gareth Ward emphasized that the new laws undermine fundamental rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and assembly for all Georgian citizens.

Statement reads: "The UK regrets that the legislative package on "family values and protection of minors" has passed into law today. This package undermines fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly for all Georgian citizens. It encourages discrimination against marginalised communities who are already vulnerable."

He further expressed alarm over the speed at which the legislation was passed, describing it as concerning. "We are concerned that this legislation has been passed at speed. We reiterate our call to the Georgian authorities to reconsider the package of laws on "family values and protection of minors" which, together with the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, place restrictions on both civil society and individual Georgians" he added.

Ambassador Ward concluded by highlighting the potential impact on the long-standing relationship between the UK and Georgia, stating, "These laws call into question the breadth of the UK-Georgia relationship."

The Parliament adopted the legislative package restricting LGBT rights, titled "Family Values and Protection of Minors," on September 17. During the plenary session, 84 deputies voted in favor of the bill on its third reading, with no one opposing it.

Yesterday, on October 2, the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, did not sign the anti-LGBTQ+ legislative package passed by Parliament. However, Zourabichvili did not exercise her veto power. Today, the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, signed the legislative package into law.