“We are surprised by the Opinion of the Venice Commission. What kind of a commission is it? In their Opinion, they wrote all the opposite. It is an insult to tradition and history,” said Irakli Zarkua, MP of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, echoing the Opinion on the draft constitutional law on Protecting Family Values.

“We always ensure the engagement of the Venice Commission when drafting amendments on significant issues. Now, we are surprised when we read the Opinion. I will not tell you everything, but it is written that if you do not take into account the recommendation, do it at least so that same-sex marriages do not get in the way and there is no problem with adopting a child. We wonder if it is the Venice Commission or what kind of commission it is. Either they should study the history, tradition and Orthodoxy of Georgia, or I don’t know. They wrote the opposite in the conclusion. It seems to be a case that should not be considered because it insults Orthodoxy, tradition and history. I don’t know who is putting pressure on the commission, but there will be neither same-sex marriages nor LGBT propaganda in Georgia,” said Irakli Zarkua.

The Venice Commission published its Opinion on the draft constitutional law on Protecting Family Values and Minors adopted at its 139th Plenary Session on June 21-22.

The Venice Commission recommends the Georgian government modify the draft constitutional law in a way that allows for the legal recognition of same-sex couples.