A solemn march in Tbilisi, and other regions of the country, is being held to commemorate the “Day of Sanctity of the Family”.
The Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate said that clergy and parishioners would gather at St. George’s Cathedral on Rustaveli Avenue at 12:00. The march will take place in several dioceses including Kutaisi and Mtskheta.
“Our country has celebrated the day of family sanctity and respect of parents for the past ten year with the blessings and initiative of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
“Family, respect for tradition and the preservation of these values are fundamental values that underpin the strength of any decent country and its citizens. It is important that both Christians and other faiths protect the sanctity and strength of the family, as a healthy and strong family is the foundation of any traditional and strong state.
The Patriarchate released a statement that read: “This year, as is traditional, clergy and many parishioners are organizing a prayer processsion on this special day”.
According to the resolution of the Government of Georgia the 17th of May 2024 will be a public holiday in honor of the Day of Sanctity of the Family. The document was signed by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, on May 15.
May 17 is the International Day of Combating Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia
Internationally, the 17th of May is also recognized as International Day of Combating Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia. The first celebration was in 2005. The date was chosen as a symbol – on May 17th, 1990, the World Health Organization removed “homosexuality” from its list of diseases.
In Georgia, the LGBTQ+ community has tried to celebrate this Day despite opposition from radical groups.
The European Court of Human Rights deemed the violence against LGBTQ+ protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia on May 17, 2013, “unprecedented”. It imposed a fine of 193,500 Euros on Georgia. The violence was committed on the International Day against Homophobia & Transphobia.
In 2014, Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II declared the 17th of May as the Day of Sanctity of the Family & Respect for Parents.
In 2024, a draft constitution was developed by the majority of the parliament, “Georgian Dream”, which will severely limit the rights of LGBT people and their freedom of expression.
Mamuka Mdinaradze (the leader of the majority in the parliament) presented draft laws on March 25 restricting LGBT rights for journalists. If these changes are approved:
Only married couples (man and woman) or heterosexuals can adopt a child;
Any medical intervention relating to gender change is prohibited.
The distribution of materials or programs that “promotes” same-sex relationships or medical interventions relating to gender change or assemblies will be prohibited.
The ruling party lacks the votes to pass constitutional amendments, despite the fact that general discussions about the project have begun.
Related story: Parliament completes the public review of a draft law prepared to combat LGBT propaganda
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