Tbilisi, July 22, 2025
Photo: civil.ge
The Georgian Orthodox Church has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over recent European Union recommendations that Georgia repeal comprehensive anti-LGBT legislation signed into law in October 2024. The contested law package includes sweeping bans on same-sex marriages, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, public propaganda of LGBT relations and people, and their depictions in media—effectively prohibiting Pride events that have previously faced fierce opposition and violence in Georgia. The Georgian Orthodox Church was a vocal supporter of this legislation when it was enacted.
The statement from the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, released on Sunday, July 20, reflects broader anxieties within Georgian society about balancing European integration aspirations with the preservation of traditional Orthodox Christian values. According to the Patriarchate, these latest EU recommendations directly contradict previous assurances given by European officials that Georgia’s integration process would not require abandoning its traditional family values or accepting what the Church views as incompatible social policies.
The statement suggests a growing rift between Georgia’s religious establishment and European institutions, potentially complicating the country’s long-standing goal of joining European structures while maintaining its cultural and religious identity.
Read the full statement:
Recently, the content of recommendations issued by the European Union to Georgia has caused serious concern within Georgian society and the Orthodox Church. This concern specifically pertains to the part that calls for the abolition of legislation aimed at protecting the sanctity of the family and restricting so-called LGBT propaganda directed at minors.
This approach completely 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 clerics of the Georgian Orthodox Church. They have always clearly explained that Georgia's integration into European structures is not linked to promoting non-traditional lifestyles.
During meetings with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II (records of which exist), it was always explicitly stated that the Georgian people's will is to protect Christian and traditional family values. It was also stated that there would be no categorical demands or imposition of obligations contrary to our traditions on the path to the country's accession to Euro-structures.
His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has repeatedly noted that the European choice can be realized under conditions where God-opposing teachings, such as the propaganda of non-traditional lifestyles, are not imposed. Against this background, the inclusion of provisions in the current European recommendations that directly or indirectly imply the abolition of laws protecting minors from LGBT propaganda causes great disappointment. It completely contradicts not only the teachings of God and the foundations of Christianity but also the oral and written promises repeatedly made in the past during relations with partner countries.
It is worth noting that at the time, the laws on family values and the protection of young people from the propaganda of non-traditional lifestyles were fully embraced by the religious community, and the Church expressed gratitude to the authorities. Even today, under current conditions, the religious community believes that these laws are entirely 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. This is causing widespread disappointment among a significant portion of the Georgian population.
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