Well-known transgender woman killed after adoption of anti-LGBT law in Georgia
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, one of the most prominent transgender women in Georgia was killed in her home in Tbilisi. This occurred just a day after the country's parliament passed a controversial bill against the LGBTQ+ community, reports BBC.
According to local authorities, 37-year-old Kesaria Abramidze suffered fatal stab wounds.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the crime. Georgian media reported that he was acquainted with the victim.
Human rights groups link this murder to the new anti-LGBTQ+ law, claiming that the government's promotion of the legislation has contributed to hate-based transphobic crimes.
Law
The law passed by the Georgian parliament introduces a ban on same-sex marriages, gender confirmation surgeries, adoption by non-heterosexuals, and the promotion of same-sex relationships in schools.
The ruling party stated that the Protection of Family Values and Minors bill is designed for the majority of Georgians seeking protection from LGBT propaganda.
Local LGBTQ+ rights advocates argue that the government has utilized homophobic and transphobic language and ideas while promoting the bill.
European Union representatives have condemned the law, stating that it further jeopardizes the country's declared goal of joining the EU, urging the Georgian government to withdraw the legislation.
In June, EU leaders indicated that Georgia's refusal to halt repression against civil society had led to a de facto cessation of its attempts to join the bloc.
Today, it was reported that the European Union may suspend the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens as a response to the anti-democratic actions of the Georgian authorities and their anti-Western rhetoric.
