“The recent recommendations issued by the European Union to Georgia have raised serious concerns among the Georgian public and the Georgian Orthodox Church,” the Georgian Patriarchate stated.

The statement highlights particular concern over recommendations that “call for the repeal of legislation aimed at protecting the sanctity of the family and restricting so-called LGBT propaganda directed at minors”.

“This approach directly contradicts the principles and assurances consistently expressed over the years by EU representatives and high-ranking diplomats during numerous meetings with senior clergy of the Georgian Orthodox Church. They have repeatedly clarified that Georgia’s integration into European structures does not involve promoting non-traditional lifestyles.

In meetings with the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II—documented in records—it has been clearly emphasized that the Georgian people seek to uphold Christian and traditional family values. It was also stated that no categorical demands would be imposed that contradict Georgia’s traditions during the path to EU membership.

His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has consistently maintained that the European path is acceptable as long as it does not involve obligations that contradict God’s teachings—such as the promotion of a non-traditional lifestyle. Therefore, the inclusion of recommendations that suggest repealing laws protecting minors from LGBT propaganda is deeply concerning. It contradicts not only Christian teachings and values but also the oral and written assurances made by partner countries in the past.

It is worth noting that the laws supporting family values and protecting minors from non-traditional propaganda were widely supported by the faithful, and the Church publicly thanked the government. Even now, the believing community considers these laws essential to fostering a healthy society.

Regrettably, the latest EU recommendations present a conflicting stance: on one hand, they claim to support family traditions and the protection of minors; on the other, they tie Georgia’s European aspirations to the removal of these very protections. This contradiction has caused disappointment among a significant portion of the Georgian public,” the statement reads.