The Georgian parliament has passed a sweeping bill that seeks to curtail the rights of LGBTQ people in the Eastern European country. The legislation is virtually identical to similar laws passed in neighboring Russia.

Georgia’s parliament has approved draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, echoing laws adopted in neighboring Russia

Georgia's parliament approves draft legislation curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, similar to laws in neighboring Russia

The bill would provide a legal basis for authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBT rainbow flag, and to impose censorship of films and books. Leaders of the governing Georgian Dream party say it is needed to safeguard traditional moral standards in Georgia,

Human rights groups and the European Union have criticized the legislation, amid fears Georgia is moving closer to Russia.

By Tornike Mandaria in Tbilisi Georgia’s parliament has passed at third reading a legislative package introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party that bans “LGBT propaganda,” same-sex marriage and adoption,