‘Identity’ vs Rustavi 2 and Imedi

Nata Dzvelishvili

Organization Identity protecting the rights of sexual minorities sued Imedi TV and Rustavi2 broadcasting company at the self-regulatory body of the broadcasters for verbal insult of the LGBT group (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender). The Identity filed the complaint on March 9.

The Identity complains about Georgian subtitles to the movie Justifying Anger aired by the Imedi on February 12, 2012.  The Identity claims that in the movie English word “gay” was mentioned four times and each time the word was translated into Georgian “tsisperi” (faggot), which, “not only mistranslates the original text, but is also a verbal insult of the LGBT group members,” the suit of the Identity against Imedi reads.

The organization quotes the Article of the Code of Conduct of Broadcasters according to which “a broadcaster must avoid insulting any religious, ethnic, or other groups, including using certain words and expressions.”

The Identity also quotes Article 56 of the Law on Broadcasting of Georgia, according to which ‘”it is prohibited to air programs aiming at insulting a person, or a group of persons due to sexual orientation.”

The suitor believes the Imedi TV should have avoided using the word “faggot.” “Although it was not Imedi TV’s product, they also bared responsibility to control the translation and usage of correct words,” the suit reads.

Elina Glakhashvili, Board Chair of the Identity told media.ge that the first complaint was lodged to Imedi on February 14, although the broadcaster requested the power of attorney for accepting the complaint.  Only persons, who have directly suffered from content aired by the broadcaster, may appeal to the self-regulatory board.

“We had to provide a document confirming that we actually represent the interests of the LGBT group members.  Thus, we repeatedly lodged the complaint on March 9,” Elina Glakhashvili said. 

The Identity sued Rustavi 2 because of phrases used in The Vano’s Show and Comedy Show.  According to the Organization, a phrase – “faggots rule” – was used in the February 20, 2012 Comedy Show.  On March 3, the anchor of The Vano’s Show, Vano Javakhishvili asked the actress Shorena Begashvili to read out the following text – “why don’t you make a move at me? Should I call you a faggot?”

Like in case of Imedi TV the LGBT group members believe that the broadcaster insulted them by using the words “faggot”.  The complaint was drafted in accordance to the Law on Broadcasting of Georgia and the Code of Conduct of Broadcasters.

The Identity requests disciplinary punishment of the relevant employees of the broadcasters and a public apology from them.