Clashes over Europe's promotion of tolerance

EUROPE stands accused of many failings in recent months, including weakness, internal division and naivety. But to hardline Georgian churchmen, the continent’s greatest sin is depravity. Europe’s promotion of tolerance for homosexuality, they say, threatens the very foundation of Georgian society.

The discussion became more heated after the government’s adoption of an anti-discrimination law on May 2^nd. The law is central to further progress towards visa-free travel in Europe, and lays the basis for the Association Agreement with the European Union, which Georgia is planning to sign on June 27^th. Although human rights activists had hoped for stronger enforcement mechanisms, they see it as a significant step in the right direction.

The inclusion of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as unacceptable grounds for discrimination aroused the passions of the Orthodox Church. The Patriarch (pictured), who is by far the most respected public figure in Georgia, Continue reading