Georgia President Rejects Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Sends It Back to Parliament

Salome Zourabichvili's decision comes amid rising tensions and ahead of crucial parliamentary elections.

President Salome Zourabichvili refused to sign a bill that would severely restrict LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia, returning it to the parliament.
The bill, introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, includes bans on same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples, and gender-affirming care.
The legislation mirrors similar laws in Russia and has been condemned by human rights groups for marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community.
The president's refusal to sign the bill follows her earlier veto of a controversial 'foreign influence' law, which sparked mass protests and international criticism.
The decision comes as Georgia prepares for parliamentary elections, with the ruling party accused of aligning the country more closely with Russia at the expense of its European aspirations.