On June 15th 2021, Levan Vasadze, a businessman and founder of the political party “Unity, Essence, Hope”, referred to the government saying that he gives the government 10 days to cancel the pride parade planned for July 5th and to introduce law prohibiting propaganda of lewdness. “We are giving the government a 10-day period to cancel, before June 25th, the planned, so called announced pride in order not to allow to give pretext for development of processes of escalation and confrontation in the country, so that we won’t have to rush every year because of this nonsense...” – Vasadze stated.
GDI condemns the above mentioned statement which is homophobic and encourages hatred. Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and international human rights standards are fundamental rights and realization thereof must be ensured by the government for everyone without discrimination, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or any other ground. At the same time, the government is under a positive obligation to ensure the safety of participants of an assembly. Unfortunately, the government of Georgia has not been fulfilling this obligation thereby depriving the LGBT+ community of the possibility to enjoy the freedom of assembly and expression in a peaceful and safe environment. The government has not taken appropriate measures in response to statements made by Levan Vasadze, other hate groups and statements/acts that are homophobic, violent and stir up hatred in general. The government has not carried out effective investigation into hate crimes either. This is why the leaders of homophobic groups and their members are able to make open threats and announce attacks on representatives and supporters of the LGBT+ community every year.
GDI is calling on the law enforcement authorities to show political will and take preventive measures before the pride parade, including the initiation of investigation into every potential criminal case, as well as to ensure safety of every activist during the pride week.
GDI will monitor the steps taken by the officials with respect to the pride week and will provide legal assistance to the organizers of the pride week.
