Current:Home > MyGeorgia’s prime minister joins tens of thousands in a march to promote ‘family purity’ -GrowthInsight
Georgia’s prime minister joins tens of thousands in a march to promote ‘family purity’
View
Date:2025-04-18 03:41:27
TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia’s prime minister joined tens of thousands of people on a march through the capital on Friday to mark the Day of Family Purity, which celebrates so-called traditional family values in the country where animosity toward sexual minorities is strong.
Observances of the day, which was initiated by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2013, were also held in more than 20 other cities.
Liberal groups have complained that the event coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili were among those who marched in Tbilisi. The march ended at the capital’s Trinity Cathedral, where Kobakhidze praised the event for “protecting the country’s identity, language and faith.”
In March, the ruling Georgian Dream Party introduced a bill curtailing LGBTQ rights. If adopted, the bill will prohibit sex changes, adoption by same-sex couples, and gatherings that could be regarded as promoting same-sex relations.
Georgian Dream also has pushed through a bill to require news media and nongovernmental organizations to register as “agents of foreign influence” if they receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad. The bill set off mass protests this month in Tbilisi. Opponents refer to it as “ the Russian law ” because it resembles regulations in Russia.
President Salome Zourabichvili says she will veto the measure, which opponents say will obstruct Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, but its supporters have enough seats in parliament to override a veto.
Tension in Georgia over unorthodox sexual mores is strong. Last year, hundreds of opponents of gay rights stormed an LGBTQ festival in Tbilisi, forcing the event’s cancellation.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Got your eclipse glasses? This nonprofit wants you to recycle them after April 8 eclipse
- USC’s Bronny James declares for NBA draft and enters transfer portal after 1 season
- USC’s Bronny James declares for NBA draft and enters transfer portal after 1 season
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Portland, Oregon, schools and after-school program sued after a 9-year-old girl is allegedly raped
- This week on Sunday Morning (April 7)
- Tennessee court to weigh throwing out abortion ban challenge, blocking portions of the law
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Drake Bell Shares Why He Pleaded Guilty in Child Endangerment Case
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- A sweltering summer may be on the way. Will Americans be able to afford AC to keep cool?
- American families of hostages in Gaza say they don’t have time for ‘progress’ in cease-fire talks
- 3 people killed in crash of small plane in southeastern Oklahoma, authorities say
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- March Madness: Caitlin Clark, Iowa will meet South Carolina for national title Sunday
- Apple's App Store, Apple TV, other online services go down Wednesday
- Farmworker who survived mass shooting at Northern California mushroom farm sues company and owner
Recommendation
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
Taylor Swift releases five playlists framed around the stages of grief ahead of new album
Mercedes workers at an Alabama plant call for union representation vote
Pregnant Lea Michele Cradles Bump in First Appearance Since Announcing Baby No. 2
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
'No that wasn't the sound system': Yankees react to earthquake shaking ground on Opening Day
Last chance to see the NCAA's unicorn? Caitlin Clark's stats put her in league of her own
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, First Class