The newly signed law includes bans on same-sex marriages and adoptions by same-sex couples, as well as limitations on the media depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. Furthermore, it restricts gender-affirming care and prevents changes in gender designations on official documents, a measure that critics claim will disproportionately harm transgender individuals and fuel anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in the country.

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili justified the legislation by citing "common sense, historical experience, and centuries-old Christian, Georgian, and European values." The law was initially put forward by the ruling Georgian Dream party as a means to protect traditional values in the largely Orthodox nation. Experts have interpreted this move as an attempt by the party to consolidate popular support ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

President Zourabichvili, known for her pro-European stance, has frequently clashed with the government. She previously vetoed another controversial "foreign influence" law, only to be overridden by parliament. Critics argue that such laws mirror Russian legislation aimed at marginalizing vulnerable groups and stifling dissent. Some believe that enacting these laws endangers Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union, as the EU halted Georgia's membership process in response to the "foreign influence" law and froze financial support for the nation. Additionally, the United States has imposed sanctions on several Georgian officials due to the legislation.

The enactment of the anti-LGBTQ+ law has heightened concerns among Georgian activists, who fear a surge in hate crimes. This fear was tragically underscored by the recent murder of transgender actress and model Kesaria Avramidze in her Tbilisi apartment, an event rights advocates have tied to the growing marginalization of LGBTQ+ groups in the country. "We have been saying all along, all these months, that laws like this are going to cause violence and are going to increase the number of people that are physically attacked," said Tamar Jakeli, head of Tbilisi Pride.

Amidst this backdrop of legal and social strife, Georgia remains divided on the path forward, with significant implications for both its domestic policies and international relationships.