Lelo Movement Doesn't Support Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

Davit Usupashvili, one of the leaders of the 'Lelo' movement, who was the chairman of the Parliament of Georgia from 2012 to 2016, claims that their political party doesn't support the legalization of same-sex marriage. 

In his words, "They might look old-fashioned in someone's eyes because of this, however, they should be tolerated without any "phobias."

He also touched upon other issues that will be discussed in detail in their election program, in particular, the party's view about Georgia's Forest Code, upcoming elections and the Church, and church property. 

"In the hands of the state, the forest is being destroyed in front of us. 

"We primarily support the transfer of relevant forest massifs to municipal and rural ownership. We believe that forests in the historical surroundings of churches and monasteries can be transferred to them based on the same principles," he noted. 

As for minorities, the politician claimed that the legalization of same-sex marriage is unacceptable for their party. 

"We condemn persecution, harassment, or discrimination because of different orientations without any preconditions. The state must pursue a consistent and effective policy not only to punish the perpetrators and protect the victims but also to create a public climate to prevent such treatment.

However, 'Lelo' does not support the legalization of same-sex marriage, just as the entire democratic world did not support it just two decades ago. We may look old-fashioned in someone's eyes because of this, but we will endure it and they will have to tolerate us without any "phobias", Usupashvili wrote on social media. 

'Lelo for Georgia' political party was created at the end of 2019 by businessmen Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. The party has attracted a number of prominent political figures, including Davit Usupashvili's Development Movement, the New Rights Party and Pikria Chikhradze. It also has attracted a number of center-left political figures, such as Grigol Gegelia.

The party aims to transcend the dichotomy between the Georgian Dream and the United National Movement, thus putting to an end the bipolar system running in Georgia since 2012.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Parliament Adopts Amendments on Transferring State Forests to Patriarchate