Georgia drops controversial blasphemy law

The sponsor of a controversial law which would have outlawed “insult of religious feelings” in Georgia has withdrawn the bill, it emerged on Monday.

The bill, which was endorsed by parliament’s human rights committee earlier this month, would have imposed a 300 lari ($120) fine for religious insults, with a fine ten times that for desecrating a religious symbol.

Soso Jachvliani from the leading Georgian Dream coalition withdrew the proposal, parliamentary speaker Davit Usupashvili confirmed on February 15.

The bill caused divisions both outside the ruling coalition and within it, with coalition members such as Tamar Kordzaia of the Republican Party opposing it.

It was strongly criticized by human rights groups, including No To Phobia, a Georgia based coalition of NGOs, and Amnesty International.

A similar bill was also proposed, and dropped, in late 2013.

Sources: commonspace.eu and agencies

Photo: Georgian Christians celebrate Orthodox Christmas at the Tbilisi Trinity Cathedral on 7 January 2014

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk for the first time since Moscow claimed to have completely recaptured the region following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last year, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. Putin met with municipal leaders in the city of Kurchatov and visited the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is currently under construction, the Kremlin said, according to TASS.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Putin makes first visit to Kursk since Russia recaptured region

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk for the first time since Moscow claimed to have completely recaptured the region following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last year, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. Putin met with municipal leaders in the city of Kurchatov and visited the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is currently under construction, the Kremlin said, according to TASS.