On Thursday, the Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, signed into law a controversial bill resembling Russian legislation that restricts LGBTQ rights, despite warnings from the European Union. The move comes a day after Georgia’s pro-Western president, Salome Zurabishvili, refused to sign the bill, intensifying tensions between her and the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The law is modeled after Russia’s “gay propaganda” legislation, banning gender reassignment and invalidating same-sex marriages conducted abroad or on Georgian territory. Papuashvili announced his decision to sign the bill on Facebook, stating, “In conformity with the constitution, I signed today the law ‘on family values and the protection of minors,’ which Salome Zurabishvili didn’t sign.”

Papuashvili defended the bill, emphasizing that it is rooted in “common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian, and European values” rather than shifting ideologies. However, opposition groups and LGBTQ advocates argue that the measure discriminates against the LGBTQ community and exacerbates existing societal tensions. Western countries have also expressed concern that the law creates a hostile environment for LGBTQ individuals in Georgia.

The passage of this bill comes at a volatile time in Georgian politics, as the nation prepares for key parliamentary elections on October 26. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote that advanced the bill last month, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of steering the country closer to Russia and jeopardizing Georgia’s long-standing aspirations for EU membership.

Rights groups have pointed to the recent murder of a prominent Georgian transgender woman as evidence of rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the country. Her stabbing occurred during the public debate over the legislation, drawing widespread condemnation from activists.

The law also follows Tbilisi’s adoption of a controversial anti-NGO “foreign influence law,” which sparked mass protests and international criticism. Critics argue that the Georgian Dream party’s recent policies risk undermining the country’s democratic progress and further alienating it from the European Union.