Outrage Over Russian Anti-Gay Law Halts Similar Bill In Armenia

[William769]

While public and international outrage surrounding Russia's institutionalized homophobia doesn't seem to faze president Vladimir Putin, or any other member of the Russian government, human right activists still have reason to celebrate. Thanks to an unexpected victory in Armenia, we now have evidence that the boycotts, demonstrations, and protests have not been entirely in vain.

Late last week, the national police withdrew a bill it had previously submitted to the Armenian government, banning any public promotion of “non-traditional sexual relationships”. Sound familiar at all? While authorities has claimed that they did not wish to intentionally terget any sexual minorities, they nevertheless felt a desire to protect “the model of the traditional Armenian family” against “phenomena alien to national Armenian mentality.”

Azatutyun.am reports that:

"Ashot Aharonian, a police spokesman, insisted that the bill was not withdrawn under domestic or foreign pressure. He said the Armenian police chief, Vladimir Gasparian, ordered its removal from the agenda because of its “shortcomings” exposed by critics and the fact that the issue is not a top priority for the police at the moment."

Mamikon Hovsepian, the head of PINK Armenia, remains unconvinced, saying that "This is definitely the shadow of Russia. We live in Russia’s shadow." Another campaigner, Sevak Kirakosian, speculates that "the police are trying to improve their reputation in the people’s eyes."

Despite the bill's withdrawal, many in Armenia support the idea of some sort of ban on public displays of homosexuality. One such group is the Armenian Organization for Constitutional Rights Defense, who insist that laws such as the one in Russia do not infringe upon people's human rights. “Nobody wants to prevent anybody from having such a lifestyle,” it said in a statement. “But there are many people who do not want this lifestyle to be imposed on them and their children watching television.”

http://www.towleroad.com/2013/08/outrage-over-russian-anti-gay-law-halts-similar-bill-in-armenia.html

[Behind the Aegis]

1. We have a louder voice than many think!

It doesn't matter from what part of the world we hail, when we band together, we will prevail!

[William769]

4. There are many people to thank speaking with one voice.

But then again we have those who chose to stay silent or just went meh.

But to the ardent supporters & LGBT people with big mouths, keep the pressure on.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. So true! A chorus can become a single, booming voice.

I like speaking with "one voice," one of my favorite posters here and a proud ally to our cause!

[hrmjustin]

2. Boycotts do work.

[MNBrewer]

6. The police propose bills in Armenia???

[William769]

7. Strange isn't it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_of_the_Republic_of_Armenia

[mitchtv]

8. as they say..

Sunlight is the best antibiotic