An anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed its first reading in Georgian parliament on Thursday despite “concerns across the international community.” While the bill aims to protect “family values and minors,” it has received criticism for its incompatibility with human rights and impact on LGBTQ+ citizens.

Introduced earlier this year by the Georgian Dream party, the bill was passed unanimously following its first reading in parliament, with 78 votes in favor. Though intended to upkeep family values, the bill’s content would heavily impact LGBTQ+ human rights. Transgender individuals are particularly targeted, as the bill bans “any medical intervention aimed at changing sex” and requires any state documents to indicate male or female “in compliance with genetic data,” preventing transgender people from stating their preferred gender. Furthermore, the bill bans gatherings and materials that would promote “changing sex by medical intervention,” or that would promote same-sex families and same-sex intimate relationships. This includes any materials that would ban the promotion of adoption or fostering of children by same-sex couples, which is also prohibited under this bill.

Prior to being passed in its first reading, the Venice Commission critiqued and analyzed the legislation’s compliance with international human rights standards. They concluded that most of the bill’s provisions breached human rights, specifically the right to private life, the right to be protected against discrimination, the right to freedom of information, and the right to freedom of assembly. They acknowledged that while “certain sections of the Georgian population may have a negative attitude towards LGBTI people,” this did not justify the legislation’s incompatibility with human rights. The Commission suggested the authorities “reconsider this legislative proposal entirely and . . . not proceed with its adoption.”

Although the bill has received criticism, the spring legislative session in Georgia will end this week. Therefore, this bill will likely resume its legislative process in September.

The final release of Rankings Week for EA Sports College Football 25 was announced on Friday, and of course that would be overall team ratings. Georgia, who had the No. 1 offense and No. 2 defense according to the creators of the highly anticipated video game, comes in with an overall rating of 95 to lead the way as the nation’s No. 1 team.

Ohio State (93), Oregon (93), Alabama (92) and Texas (92) round out the top five. The Bulldogs will play both the Crimson Tide and Longhorns this season as part of the new-look SEC. On top of that, No. 6 Clemson (90) is also on the schedule as the season-opener on August 31st, as is No. 15 Ole Miss (88) later in the season in Oxford.

EA SPORTS TEAM POWER RANKINGS

1. Georgia (95)
2. Ohio State (93)
3. Oregon (93)
4. Alabama (92)
5. Texas (92)
6. Clemson (90)
7. Notre Dame (90)
8. LSU (90)
9. Penn State (88)
10. Utah (88)
11. Michigan (88)
12. Florida State (88)
13. Miami (88)
14. Texas A&M (88)
15. Ole Miss (88)
16. Colorado (87)
17. Oklahoma (87)
18. Wisconsin (87)
19. USC (87)
20. Virginia Tech (87)
21. NC State (87)
22. Kansas (87)
23. Arizona (87)
24. Oklahoma State (87)
25. Iowa (87)

Georgia is going to be led by quarterback Carson Beck – who can be expected to be among the game’s highest ranked players. The preseason Heisman Trophy favorite broke a school record for completion percentage last season, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards at a 72.4% rate.

Beck will have support surrounding him too on both side of the ball. The Bulldogs’ top playmakers include wide receivers Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell and Colbie Young, among others, running back Trevor Etienne, tight ends Oscar Delp and Ben Yurosek and an All-American caliber defensive trio of Mykel Williams, Smael Mondon and Malaki Starks. That’s just a few of the big time contributors for Kirby Smart and company as Georgia enters as Vegas’ pick to bring home the first title of the 12-team College Football Playoff era.

EA Sports is continuing to keep college football fans anxiously awaiting EA Sports College Football 25, releasing information in bits and pieces about the anticipated game. Details about sights and sounds, gameplay and more have people excited, and the expected announcement of team ratings on Friday has folks on the edge of their seat. Individual player ratings will come at a later date, but like with everything else so far, it’s fair to say that Georgia will be heavily involved in that too.

Release date is set for July 19th on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Those that pre-order the premium bundles will receive early access starting July 16th.

The State Bar of Georgia Military/Veterans Law Section recently honored Columbia Judicial Circuit District Attorney Bobby L. Christine, of Evans, with the Marshall-Tuttle Award.

The Marshall-Tuttle Award is presented annually to a lawyer who provides outstanding legal assistance to service members and veterans, according to a news release from the state bar.

Christine, a major general in the U.S. Army National Guard, serves as the senior uniformed Judge Advocate General in the Guard, spanning all 50 states and four U.S. territories, according to the release. He was presented the award this month during the annual meeting of the State Bar of Georgia.

The award is named in honor and memory of Army Cpl. Evan Andrew Marshall, a soldier from Athens, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2008, and U.S. Circuit Judge Elbert Parr Tuttle, who served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, according to the release.

Prior to becoming the district attorney for Columbia County, Christine served as a judge in Columbia County Magistrate Court and as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

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