Political analysts: LGBT community consolidates in Georgia

In Georgia, the LGBT community is becoming more active, but at the same time, the aggression against it is also growing. This opinion was voiced by political analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 14, LGBT activists gathered in front of the building of the Georgian government to protest against the Patriarchate's statement concerning the inadmissibility of a gay parade. Opponents of the LGBT activists gathered at the same place. Seven people who tried to prevent LGBT actions were taken into custody, but later released.

"The LGBT community is becoming more active. LGBT associations are generously funded from abroad, and planning of large-scale events shows organization and consolidation," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told on June 16 by Zaal Andjaparidze, the programme coordinator at the International Centre for Conflicts and Negotiations.

"Earlier, no one ever mentioned the LGBT community. At present, people already speak of them, and that means strengthening of the LGBT community's position. The aggression of their opponents is growing in proportion to the growth of the LGBT movement," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by psychologist Giorgi Nizharadze, Professor of Social Sciences at the Free University.

Vladimir Bozhadze, the head of the Centre for Democratic Development and Civil Society, noted that on June 14, the action of LGBT activists was held within the law. However, their opponents-participants of the counteraction behaved aggressively. They threatened members of the LGBT community, refused to obey the police, and interfered with activities of journalists.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 17, 2019 at 06:06 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.