TBILISI -- Georgia's prime minister says sexual minorities in his country "have the same rights as any other social groups."
Talking to journalists in Tbilisi on May 14, Bidzina Ivanishvili said although there are groups in Georgia that do not accept sexual minorities as equals, society will "gradually get used to it."
Ivanishvili added that all participants of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights demonstration scheduled for May 17 will be protected from attacks.
The same day, antigay groups plan to hold their own protest 50 meters from the LGBT demonstration.
Ivanishvili declined to express his position on same-sex marriages, saying there is no need to discuss the issue right now.
Ivanishvili noted the same-sex marriage issue has caused social and political tensions in France, where he is also a citizen.
Talking to journalists in Tbilisi on May 14, Bidzina Ivanishvili said although there are groups in Georgia that do not accept sexual minorities as equals, society will "gradually get used to it."
Ivanishvili added that all participants of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights demonstration scheduled for May 17 will be protected from attacks.
The same day, antigay groups plan to hold their own protest 50 meters from the LGBT demonstration.
Ivanishvili declined to express his position on same-sex marriages, saying there is no need to discuss the issue right now.
Ivanishvili noted the same-sex marriage issue has caused social and political tensions in France, where he is also a citizen.
