Parliament Advances Legislative Amendments, Including FARA, in First Reading
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The parliament has approved a series of legislative amendments in their first reading, covering parliamentary procedure, gender equality laws, the criminal code, public service regulations, and broadcasting laws. Among the measures passed was the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which has been a subject of significant debate.
Restrictions on Parliamentary Rules of Procedure
The amendments to parliamentary rules limit the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in public decision-making. Under the new law, NGOs may still participate in discussions but will no longer have a mandatory role in decision-making processes.
Davit Matikashvili, GD Chairman of the Committee on Procedural Matters and Rules, defended the amendment, citing concerns over foreign influence on CSO activities. He referenced allegations against USAID, stating:
"It was revealed how not only USAID, but also other funds were financing protests and organizing revolutions against democratically elected governments in various countries through non-governmental organizations."
Additionally, the amendment changes the procedure for electing members of the Central Election Commission (CEC), eliminating the requirement for a three-fifths majority vote for candidate appointments.
Gender Equality Law Revisions
The GD-led parliament also passed amendments to the Law on Gender Equality with 83 votes in favor. The changes replace the term "gender equality" with "equality of women and men" and remove the legal definition of "gender" from the law.
Matikashvili argued that the original terminology had been influenced by external factors, stating:
"This was a kind of reflection of the global processes taking place in the world."
The amendment also removes the obligation to establish gender equality councils in parliament, autonomous republics, and municipalities. However, Matikashvili emphasized that this change "does not mean that both the Parliament of Georgia and local self-government bodies should not focus on unwaveringly upholding the principle of equality between women and men."
Amendments to the Criminal Code
The parliament introduced stricter penalties for treason, including espionage, conspiracy to overthrow the government, and other offenses related to national security.
Rati Ionatamishvili, one of the amendment's initiators, argued that:
"Treason is the most serious crime, and the state must create the most solid and firm guarantees for the protection of the country's sovereignty."
Public Service Law Changes
The approved Public Service Law amendments introduce a new category of individuals "equated with civil servants" and alter appointment procedures. The simplified competition rule for appointing heads and deputies of Legal Entities of Public Law (LEPLs) has been removed, granting direct appointment powers to relevant ministers and agencies.
Tornike Cheishvili, First Deputy Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee, claimed that the change streamlines appointments and ensures that employees dismissed due to reorganization or staff reductions receive adequate compensation.
Broadcasting Law Amendments
Parliament also approved amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, introducing restrictions on foreign funding for media organizations. Under the new provisions, broadcasters will be prohibited from receiving direct or indirect foreign funding, except for revenue from commercial advertising, teleshopping, sponsorship, and product placement.
The law also restricts foreign governments from purchasing broadcaster services or co-financing content production and airing.
Rati Ionatamishvili, Chair of the Committee on Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration, defended the changes, stating:
"Georgia is a sovereign state, and our democratic institutions, including the media, should not be managed from the outside."
He argued that when the media is "externally managed", it prioritizes foreign interests over public information.
Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which has drawn significant attention, was approved in its first reading. The law would require organizations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents, submit annual financial declarations, and face criminal liability for non-compliance.
Committee chairman Archil Gorduladze defended the measure, stating:
"The country should have regulations that, on the one hand, prevent external interference and, on the other hand, ensure the transparency of any funds spent in Georgia."
He further justified the bill by drawing a parallel to U.S. legislation, stating:
"Just as the American people have the right to protect their sovereignty, the Georgian people have no less a right to strengthen their sovereignty, independence, and for the public to know who is transferring funds and for what activities."
