“Unfortunately, there is already an undeniable reality that the draft law establishes grounds for legalizing amorality and perversion in the Republic of Armenia. If the law enters into force, such draft law is going to legalize the roots of sexual minorities and expand the campaign of their lifestyle in our country”- this is an extract from the announcement issued by the sub-committee of Religion of the Public Board, which refers to “Against Discrimination” draft law developed by the Office of the Ombudsman. Particularly, the Office of the Ombudsman, with the help of the draft law, attempts to develop mechanisms to protect the rights of minorities, the elderly, people with disabilities and others.
Aravot.am, in a conversation with Artur Sakunts, head of Vanadzor office of Helsinki Citizens’ Association (HCA), was interested whether the concerns of the Public Council are appropriate. He replied,- “If the Public Council truly aims to be engaged in protection of human rights and support that legislation promoting the exclusion of discrimination and practice is formed in Armenia, then it should approach the issue based on the provision of the Constitution: why discrimination against human rights is displayed not only on national and religious affiliation, but also on sexual orientation. This is the very essence of legal state, and Armenia is a legal state, and the adoption of legislation against discrimination is one of its contextual implementations. The Public Council will approach the issue from the provisions of the Constitution and not based on its subjective approach. The draft law itself is weak, I more appreciate that it is not perfect, but the important thing is that it exists.” The Chairman of ” Center for Rights and Freedom” NGO Vardan Harutyunyan, was also surprised on the concern of the Public Council, and he noted,- “The laws on Freedoms can result in any particular case, but to give up the freedoms for only the reason that a negative thing of a particular episode may be registered, is ridiculous. One can not refuse, for example, cars in general, because people occasionally run over by a car. It is ridiculous and the so-called Public Council must understand the meaning of its existence before making such publications. The legislative initiative is normal, I think, because any minority must be protected by the law unless the society has not been developed so that it does not automatically recognize and protect the minorities. I apology to say, but the response of the Public Council originated from unawareness, it is a response from the legal field.”
Tatev Harutyunyan
