We the below signatories issue this statement in response to homophobic crime sure against members and activists of LGBT community, and urge the state to take immediate and effective measures to prevent homophobic crimes and ensure safe and peaceful environment. 

On May 17, 2013, following a mass violent counter-demonstration organized by representatives of the Church, extremist and different political forces, LGBT activists cannot exercise their freedom of assembly and expression freely in Georgia, as a result of the state’s essentially ineffective and discriminatory policy, and tolerance of widespread homophobic discourse by political authorities. 

Although, similar to previous years, members and activists of the LGBT community were prevented from exercising their freedom of assembly, dozens of sporadic acts of violence against them have been detected before and after May 17, 2016. Reported hate crimes were committed against alleged victims because of their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). These crimes, mostly committed by unknown individuals at night, in public areas, include: 

▪ On April 22 and also on May 18th, young people were beaten in the streets. Young boys were wearing earrings, which perpetrators connected to May 17th and SOGI, and they were beaten due to alleged homophobic motive; 

▪ On April 28 and May 21, alleged homophobic motive, violence and threats were made against "LGBT Georgia" and "Temida" representatives were reported;

▪ On May 21, two young men were stabbed on the street, due to homophobic motive. One of them was a minor. His health situation was unstable and the surgery was needed.

Since May 17, 2013 mass violent and homophobic counter-demonstrations, escalation of violence towards LGBT community members was reported. During the following two weeks, Women's Initiatives Supportive Group, Identoba and Public Defender's Office revealed 32 cases of violence against the community members.

Under the circumstances, members of the LBGT community, especially LGBT activists are living in fear, stress and vulnerable conditions. They exist in the permanent state of emergency. Due to Police ineffectiveness and their homophobic attitudes, LGBT community members remain alone in the face of harassment and persecution.

LGBT community's mistrust towards the police and state institutions deepened especially on May 17, after the repressive and the disproportionate arrest of LGBT activists by the group of Ministry of Internal Affairs' employees, dressed in civilian clothes, when activists were trying to express their protest outside the Patriarchy. 

Considering ineffectiveness of investigation of May 17, 2013 violent counter-demonstrations and the state's disproportionate and weak efforts to secure freedom of assembly for LGBT community members, repression towards LGBT persons gains symbolic and political importance and is indicative of the government's selective approach. Police using hate speech towards LGBT rights' activists and their violation of religious neutrality suggests the problem of institutionalized homophobia.

We believe that homophobic attitudes and increased violence results from political, religious and extremist groups' activities, as well as the state's essentially ineffective, discriminatory and non-secular policy. In this regard, we must highlight the infamous homophobic crimes, including violent crackdown of May 17, 2013 IDAHO assembly and inefficient investigation of transgender women - Sabi Beriani murder case, as well as the problem of court's biased and unjustified acquittal decisions, which clearly illustrate the state's loyalty towards unfair policies and homophobic attitudes.  

In the patriarchal and non-secular society with the problem of homophobia, due to sharp politicization of LGBT issues the extent of homophobia in the society becomes even more far-reaching. It extends to every sphere of the social and political life and becomes institutionalized. Homophobic language of representatives of political parties during public discussions grows into real violence.

Considering the above-mentioned, the signatory organizations urge:

The President of Georgia and Government:

▪ To make timely public statements regarding the fight against hate crimes and the importance of anti-discrimination policy, which, considering the growing homophobic attitudes and violence, is essential for peace and security in the country; 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and Prosecutor's Office:

▪ To ensure effective and timely investigation of recent homophobic crimes, including identification of hate motive, adequate qualification of cases and prosecution of perpetrators; 

▪ To carry out adequate informative policy, which will be a declaration of Government's readiness to combat hate crimes and introduce a strict policy against hate crimes in the Criminal Code;

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia:

▪ To take immediate preventive measures in order to ensure security and peace for LGBT community members and activists. It is important to launch a special hotline and, together with the LGBT rights organizations and the Ombudsman's Office, create a working environment conductive of communication;

▪ To strictly respond to the Police using homo/bi/transphobic language and their negligence towards the LGBT community.

The Georgian Parliament: 

▪ To implement ethics-related regulations for members of the parliament in order to prevent hate speech.

▪ To implement effective parliamentary control over the work done by the executive branch in terms of hate crimes;

Political Parties:

▪ To avoid using homo/bi/transphobic language and respect the idea of tolerance and human rights;

▪ Make public statements condemning increase of homophobic violence;

Signatories: 

Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)

Women's Initiatives Supportive Group (WISG)

LGBT Georgia

Identoba

Georgian Democratic Institute (GDI)

Media Development Fund (MDF)

Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI)

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)

Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA)

Tanadgoma

Partnership for Human Rights (PHR)

HERA XXI