Parliament Votes in Favor of Criminalizing Religious Intolerance

Georgia’s Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Civil Integration voted in the first reading of a draft amendment to the Administrative Violation Code to criminalize the defamation of religious beliefs.

According to the bill, defaming religious beliefs is defines as a public expression of hatred towards sacred objects, religious organizations, clergy and believers, and/or publishing any material aimed at inciting hatred between religious groups.

Under the amendment, those found guilty of offending ones religious beliefs will be fined 300 GEL, with each subsequent offense incurring a 600 GEL fine. The desecration of religious sites and places of worship will initially be fined 500 GEL, with repeat offenders fines 1,000 GEL.