Prime Minister of Georgia Calls for Ban of Same-Sex Marriage on Constitutional Level Friday, March 28: Georgia, following the example of Slovakia, Croatia, Latvia and Hungary decided to balance the possible opposition to the adoption of the Anti-Discrimination law, by means of Constitutional amendments. The Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili announced the initiative to define “family” as union between a man and a woman in the Georgian Constitution. Mr. Garibashvili addressed the State Constitutional Commission of Georgia today and introduced this initiative at the government meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s assessment, the Anti-Discrimination bill reflects the Georgian tradition of tolerance, which allows people of different ethnicities, religious affiliation and lifestyles to live side by side peacefully. Mr. Garibashvili continued his thought by saying: “Since there may be different opinions on the issue and there should be no speculations around this topic, I am proposing an initiative to insert a clause in the constitution, defining that family is a union between man and woman. This is what Latvia did, and last year Croatia introduced the same amendment, before entering the EU. Despite the fact that Georgian legislation already defines family as a union between man and woman, in order to avoid misinterpretation, I believe it is desirable for this Constitutional amendment to exist. This [Anti-Discrimination] law does not create any new rights; it does not provide or deprive any group of any privileges and only ensures that everyone can equally enjoy the rights we already have according to Georgian legislation” Stated the prime minister.” According to the Prime Minister this initiative was discussed and approved by the Political Council of the Georgian Dream Coalition. The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Tea Tsulukiani, stated that the Prime Minister’s initiative is excellent and that it will solidify on a constitutional level that marriage in Georgia be defined as union between a man and a woman. Sources: http://www.netgazeti.ge/GE/105/News/29759/.htm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doZXzUq3beQ