With Georgia passing a contentious anti-LGBTQ law, a number of post-socialist EU states, including Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Hungary, are looking to follow suit, sparking widespread concerns across the European Union. This legislative wave is seen as a growing influence of pro-Russian ideologies within these nations, raising questions about potential violations of EU laws.
In mid-October, as Georgia approached pivotal parliamentary elections, the government passed a controversial law restricting the “propaganda of same-sex relationships and incest” in schools and media. The law also bans gender reassignment surgeries and adoption by LGBTQ individuals, echoing Russia’s oppressive “gay propaganda” law. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the EU and human rights groups, who warn it could severely limit the rights of Georgia’s LGBTQ community.
The law, pushed forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party, has been seen as aligning Georgia closer with Russia, rather than the European Union—a shift that contradicts the aspirations of the majority of Georgians, who support EU integration. Despite this, LGBTQ rights are also facing new threats in other post-socialist EU states, as countries like Slovakia and Bulgaria explore similar measures.
Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary: Growing Anti-LGBTQ Sentiment
In August, Bulgaria passed a law proposed by the pro-Russian Revival party, banning educational programs that address “non-traditional sexual orientation” in schools. This occurred despite strong opposition from the Council of Europe and local civil society activists. EU Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli voiced concern, stressing that the law could undermine the fundamental rights protected under EU legislation.
In Slovakia, the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) has introduced a bill that would officially define “non-traditional sexual orientation” and ban its promotion in schools. The proposed law, if passed, would impose fines of up to €30,000 for any violations. Slovak politicians, much like their Georgian counterparts, have cited the need to protect “traditional moral values” as outlined in their constitution. However, internal disputes within Prime Minister Robert Fico’s coalition have temporarily delayed the law’s progress.
Hungary, under the leadership of Viktor Orbán, already passed similar laws and continues to face legal battles with the European Commission over anti-LGBTQ legislation. Orbán’s Fidesz party was eventually forced to withdraw its “foreign agents law,” but the country remains embroiled in EU legal disputes concerning its anti-LGBTQ policies.
The Spread of Russia-Inspired Foreign Agent Laws
Georgia’s anti-LGBTQ law follows the earlier passage of a “foreign agents” law, modeled after Russia’s 2012 legislation, which requires NGOs, media outlets, and other organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. This law effectively stigmatises civil society organizations and has drawn further comparisons between Georgia and Russia.
The foreign agents law in Georgia led to the suspension of the country’s EU candidacy earlier this year. Although Georgia remains hopeful for its candidacy to be granted in December 2023, the EU remains deeply concerned about the country’s direction.
Hungary was one of the first EU states to implement a similar foreign agents law, and Viktor Orbán’s government continues to face repercussions from the EU. The law had to be withdrawn following intense pressure from Brussels, but the legal conflict over Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ stance remains unresolved.
Despite the setbacks in Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria are both considering adopting their own versions of foreign agents laws. Slovakia’s proposal would require individuals or organizations receiving more than €5,000 annually in foreign funding to be labeled as foreign agents, while Bulgaria has set a stricter threshold of €500. However, Slovakia has temporarily halted its proposal amid mounting opposition from civil society and EU institutions.
“We are in the process of drafting a new proposal,” said Peter Kmec, Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan. “The new legislation will take into account the lessons learned from the Hungarian case.”
The Impact on the European Union
The adoption of Russian-style laws in Georgia, and the increasing interest in such legislation in EU member states, is raising alarms across the bloc. Many see it as a challenge to EU principles of democracy, equality, and the protection of human rights.
While Georgia’s proximity to Russia and its volatile political environment make the influence of pro-Russian laws more understandable, the spread of these policies to EU member states like Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Hungary is much more concerning. The EU has long held itself as a bastion of human rights, and these development.