Inclusion of provisions in the current European recommendations that directly or indirectly imply the repeal of laws on the protection of minors from LGBT propaganda completely contradicts the teachings of God and the foundations of Christianity. Such a statement was released today by the Georgian Patriarchate.

According to the statement, the content of the EU’s latest recommendations for Georgia has caused “serious concern” within Georgian society and the Orthodox Church. In particular, it refers to sections “which demand the abolition of legislation aimed at protecting the sanctity of the family and restricting so-called LGBT propaganda directed at minors”.

“This approach fully contradicts the principles and statements that have been disseminated for years by representatives of EU countries and high-ranking diplomats during numerous meetings with high-ranking hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

During these interactions, it was always made clear that Georgia’s integration into European structures is not linked to promoting the propaganda of non-traditional lifestyles.

His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, has repeatedly stated that the European choice could only be made on the condition that anti-God teachings, such as the propaganda of non-traditional lifestyles, would not be imposed.

On this backdrop, the inclusion of provisions in the current European recommendations that directly or indirectly imply the repeal of laws on the protection of minors from LGBT propaganda is a great embarrassment and completely contradicts not only the teachings of God and the foundations of Christianity, but also the oral and written promises that have been repeatedly made in the past in relations with partner countries.

The laws concerning family values and the protection of youth from non-traditional lifestyle propaganda are fully embraced by the religious community, with the Church expressing gratitude to the authorities at the time. Currently, the Patriarchate believes these laws are fully adequate for strengthening a healthy societal lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the latest EU recommendations now openly present a contradictory position between, on the one hand, supporting family traditions and protecting adolescents from LGBT propaganda, and on the other hand, the country"s aspiration towards Europe, which causes frustration among a large part of the Georgian population”, - reads the statement.