Processions took place in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, and other big cities, to observe Family Purity Day.
In Tbilisi, the parishioners and clergy convened at Kashueti Church, where Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio Mujiri conducted a church service.
The procession then walked toward the Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral.
Government members, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, joined the procession.
Based on the resolution of the Government of Georgia, May 17, 2024, has been declared a holiday in connection with the Day of Sanctity of the Family and Respect for Parents. Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze signed the document on May 15.
May 17 – International Day of Combating Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
May 17 is also internationally recognized as the International Day of Combating Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. It was celebrated for the first time in 2005. The date was chosen symbolically – on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of “diseases.”
Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters have often tried to celebrate this day in Georgia against the background of opposition from radical groups.
The European Court of Human Rights called the violence against LGBTQ+ demonstrators in Tbilisi on May 17, 2013 “unprecedented” and imposed a payment of 193,500 euros on Georgia. The mentioned violence took place on the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.
In 2014, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II first announced May 17 as the Day of Sanctity of the Family and Respect for Parents.
In 2024, the parliamentary majority “Georgian Dream” developed a draft of constitutional amendments, which will significantly limit the rights and freedom of expression of LGBT people.
Image: 1TV
Related story: Marches ongoing in Tbilisi & regions for “Day of Sanctity of the Family” amid planned restrictions to LGBTQ rights
