Georgia's parliament approves draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, similar to laws in neighboring Russia

The bill would provide a legal basis for authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBT rainbow flag, and to impose censorship of films and books. Leaders of the governing Georgian Dream party say it is needed to safeguard traditional moral standards in Georgia,

Human rights groups and the European Union have criticized the legislation, amid fears Georgia is moving closer to Russia.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has voted to approve legislation that would allow authorities to outlaw Pride events and censor media. The bill is similar to a law in neighboring Russia.