The new anti-LGBT+ law, passed by the Georgian parliament today, is aimed, according to its proponents, at protecting "family values and minors." The law enables authorities to ban pride events and censor LGBT+ representation in films and books.

The Tbilisi Pride organisation told news agency Reuters that they expect to be shut down. The director said, “This law is the most terrible thing to happen to the LGBT community in Georgia.”

Elections are scheduled in Georgia in October, and the current ruling party, Georgian Dream, faces strong protests against a law that would label organisations with foreign donors as "foreign agents." Many Georgians view this law as a step toward aligning with Russia, while much of the population favours a European path.

Opposition parties see the anti-LGBT+ law as an attempt to win votes from conservative Georgians. The country’s president, who advocates for a pro-European stance, has said she will veto the law. However, Georgian Dream holds a majority that could override the veto.

In conservative Georgia, acceptance of the LGBT+ community is low. Pride events have been attacked by ultra-conservative militias, and the Orthodox Church has long advocated for bans on "LGBT+ propaganda."

The European Union has previously expressed concerns about LGBT+ rights in the country. Curtailing LGBT+ rights could also hinder Georgia’s potential accession to the European Union.