OSCE Moscow Mechanism report urges Georgia to repeal Family Values and Transparency laws

A report issued under the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Moscow Mechanism calls on the Georgian authorities to repeal several recently adopted laws and amend others to bring them in line with the country’s international obligations.

According to the report, the Georgian government should abolish the law on the Transparency of Foreign Influence and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), as well as provisions in the law on grants related to foreign funding.

Another recommendation is the repeal of the law on Family Values. The report specifically criticises provisions that equate same-sex relationships and transgender identity with incest, prohibit the promotion of these concepts, including through public assemblies, ban gender-affirming medical services, and prohibit changing the gender marker in identification documents.

In addition, the report calls for narrowing and clarifying the legal grounds for charges of treason to prevent interpretations that could allow prosecution of individuals or organisations for criticising the government, particularly those falling under the scope of the “agents” legislation or FARA.

The document also recommends repealing regulations that impose a blanket ban on covering one’s face during demonstrations. Other measures that disproportionately restrict the right to assembly - such as automatic detention and disproportionately high fines - should be repealed or revised to ensure a proper balance between this right and public order.