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

“If the draft Constitutional Law were maintained, the Venice Commission recommends: – modifying Article 1.1 of the draft Constitutional Law in a way that allows for the legal recognition of same-sex couples.

– repealing the words “genetically” in Article 1.1. of the draft.

– replacing the word “heterosexual” with the term “single” or “individual” in Article 1.2 of the draft Constitutional Law.

– deleting Article 1.3 of the draft Constitutional Law.

– deleting the first phrase (in compliance with genetic data) of Article 1.4. of the draft Constitutional Law and establishing a sufficiently detailed and precise law, providing quick, transparent and accessible procedures for changing the registered sex marker of transgender people.

– deleting Article 1.5 of the draft Constitutional Law or rephrasing it to ensure compliance with standards of non-discrimination.

– deleting Articles 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 of the draft Constitutional Law, while regulating incest separately, under criminal law,” reads the opinion.

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.