IDAHOT 2020: Keeping the Silence in post Velvet Revolution Armenia

Since the Velvet Revolution, Armenia is steadily improving its rankings in terms of democracy, freedom... One field that lacking progress is LGBT rights, where country is still among the bottom worst in Europe.

A shameful record, as we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Despite having number of seemingly committed to human rights MPs in post-Revolution Armenia parliament, no single MP (+ no single government official) had enough courage to speak up for IDAHOT.

Instead of Breaking The Silence - the motto of the day - they chose to keep the silence.

On a related but contrasting note, was great to see some government officials and media outlets in neighbouring Georgia, like Natia Mezvrishvili, head of government administration, and Civil.ge marking IDAHOT 2020 with such an important message.

Natia Mezvrishvili: As #UDHR has it "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms". I stand as an ally with LGBTI people in Georgia and Worldwide #IDAHOT #NOTOHOMOPHOBIA  

Civil.ge: May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. We stand together with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer+ people in the fight against hate. #Lovewins #IDAHOBIT 🇬🇪🏳‍🌈
📷 by Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge - Tbilisi, May 17, 2017 

Unfortunately, I have yet to see similar stance by any media in Armenia.

Parliamentary election in Armenia #armvote17 and LGBT rights

I have no much hopes left for elections in Armenia under current circumstances.

I know that at the end it will be the ruling Republican party and related to them & ex-president Kocharyan Prosperous Armenia party that will have a majority share in the next parliament.

I know that this election will not be clean and fair. Yet another “step forward” blah-blah…

I do not have a favourite party or political alliance to endorse. But the following list is my definite DO NOT VOTE for:

• Republican party of Armenia 
• Tsarukyan alliance (Prosperous Armenia) 
• ARF Dashnaktsutyun 
• Armenian Renaissance (‘re-branding’ of Orinats Yerkir by disgraced Artur Baghdasaryan)
• Communist party. The only political party that explicitly included anti-LGBT statement within their election programme (կուսակցությունը պատրաստվում է «պայքարել համասեռամոլության, տրանսգենդերների» դեմ)։

This is the first election in Armenia when political parties or their reps are being questioned by civil society activists and some media outlets on their attitude towards LGBT rights as part of election campaign.

Of course, we are not there yet when LGBT Armenians would be perceived as powerful force that could influence the election results. For this we need free and fair election system in place, and much more vocal and open presence of LGBT people in the country. However, this is a step in the right direction.

4 political parties/alliances (out of 9 participating in this parliamentary election) replied to the pre-election survey of the “Partnership for Open Society” initiative: Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian (ORO) alliance; Yelq (“Way Out”) alliance; Free democrats; and ARF Dashnaktsutyun. They all answered ‘Yes’ to the question on whether LGBT people should have the same rights as other citizens. However, I will never trust that ARF Dashnaktsutyun in Armenia genuinely believes in equal rights of all citizens until and unless they come clean re their high level reps support for DIY firebombers. Instead of reprimanding them, those homophobic reps remained on the highest positions in the party's Armenian branch and even got promoted to the ministerial level within the government as part of their alliance with the ruling Republican party.

Of course, it’s one thing to answer ‘Yes’ to a non-binding general question, it’s another thing to find out the substance of their stance.

lgbtnews.am keeps doing great job in challenging MPs, NGOs and other politicians and civil society representatives in Armenia on LGBT rights.

In the context of upcoming parliamentary election, they questioned so far ORO, Yelq and Congress/PPA alliance reps. The most straightforward answer was presented by ORO rep Hovsep Khurshudyan. To note, Hovsep of Zharangutyun (“Heritage”) party consistently (and not only during election period) supported human rights issues in Armenia, including LGBT rights, although it is not clear whether his views represent views of the alliance or rather some in Zharangutyun party. I have no doubts that head of Zharangutyun party Raffi Hovhannisyan genuinely supports LGBT rights too. I will never forget his appearance in front of gay-friendly DIY bar in Yerevan soon after firebombing. However, I have no idea, for instance, what ex-MoD Seyran Ohanyan’s views are regarding this matter.

Congress/PPA alliance (LTP) rep Arman Musinyan did not clearly answer to the similar question although in general terms voiced firmly against discrimination of all citizens.

Questioned more specifically re LGBT rights Yelq rep Alen Simonyan reiterated the position of their alliance about equal rights and human rights for all but resisted attempts to single out any specific group.

Turkey’s Armenian MP Garo Paylan: I want “new world” founded on equality

We need more MPs like Garo Paylan both in Turkey and Armenia, and beyond. The world, and the world of politics, will be a better place with them.

Highly recommend this interview by Armenian Weekly’s Nanore Barsoumian with the newly elected ethnic Armenian MP of the Turkey parliament from progressive LGBT-friendly HDP party.

*Garo Paylan (Photo: Nanore Barsoumian)

Selected extracts below /emphasis mine/:

“Three weeks after his election into Turkey’s Parliament on the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) list, Garo Paylan spoke to the Armenian Weekly about his path to parliament, and the challenges of being an Armenian in Turkey’s political scene.

During the interview conducted in Istanbul, Paylan also discussed issues that are close to his heart, including the HDP’s politics and commitment to creating what he terms a “new world” founded on equality.”

Says Garo Paylan: “Turkish citizens want the change—so they will vote for whoever speaks the new language for them. We wanted equality, and they heard us. It’s the radical democrats that for the first time are offering equality. We are radical democrats and we have everyone sitting at our table. This is why we have to struggle for LGBT rights, for the Armenians, the Kurds, and the Alevis. We have to offer equality to every identity.

Of course, we had some concerns. For instance, we were concerned that people were not ready to hear about the Armenian Genocide. Yet, we are vocal about the Armenian Genocide. We also support LGBT rights, and equality between men and women—everything that is considered radical about democracy. This is about [creating] a new world.”

“The AKP thought that insulting Armenians will gain them the Muslim votes, but it didn’t work. They tried to spotlight the fact that we had an LGBT candidate, thinking that it would affect the conservative vote, but it didn’t. There were other similar attempts, but they also failed. This is important. Our words won. We trust our words. This is what’s most important.”

PACE questions Armenia on LGBT rights. How Socialist International member ARF Dashnaktsutyun fights for equality and gay rights?

Last week, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) co-rapporteurs Axel Fischer (Germany, EPP/CD) and Alan Meale (United Kingdom, SOC) were in Armenia on a fact-finding monitoring visit. As PACE website informs , main focus of discussions were “recent political developments, constitutional reform, alternative service, gender equality, religious and sexual minorities as well as Police and justice reform.”

I am very happy to see that finally LGBT rights are on PACE agenda in relation to Armenia.

According to very little information that was publicised, they indeed discussed LGBT rights with the Armenian side, in particular during meetings with political parties represented in the parliament.

In an interview with 1in.am, former ARF Dashnaktsutyun MP Rubik Hakobyan, who now represents opposition Heritage party, could not hide his unease when recalling discussions on the topic. Without explicitly stating his position or elaborating on discussions, he however made it clear where he stands when it comes to equality and human rights for all (not on the side of equality), by immediately referring to ‘traditional values’, importance not to “impose” on Armenia “European values systems and standards”. I never trusted Rubik Hakobyan, and I believe he is a liability for Heritage party. Despite having some questionable members, Heritage party is perhaps the most gay friendly among political parties in Armenia. To remind, back in 2009, they organised roundtable discussion on intolerance, xenophobia and homophobia in Armenia. And in 2012 Heritage party head Raffi Hovhannisyan was the only head of political party who visited firebombed gay friendly DIY bar, in a show of solidarity (read also this reflection)

What was more interesting - raises eyebrows - was a statement by current head of parliamentary

faction of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Armen Rustamyan. While again avoiding to answer to the question on discussions about gay rights, he made some interesting remarks, worth noting for future reference:

Head of the ARF-D faction Armen Rustamyan (pictured) informed Epress.am that the co-rapporteurs wanted to know about the existence of political prisoners in Armenia and the protection of the rights of LGBT people. […] On the matter of LGBT rights, Rustamyan said that the ARF-D is a member of Socialist International and is guided by the same principles. "Questions about LGBT people can be posed to those political parties that haven't expressed a position. The ARF-D is a member of Socialist International," he said.

(AM) ՀՅԴ խմբակցության ղեկավար Արմեն Ռուստամյանը (լուսանկարում) Epress.am-ին հայտնել է, որ համազեկուցողները ցանկացել են իրենց կարծիքն իմանալ Հայաստանում քաղբանտարկյալների առկայության և նույնասեռականների իրավունքների պաշտպանության վերաբերյալ։ […] Նույնասեռականների իրավունքների մասին հարցին ՀՅԴ-ական պատգամավորը պատասխանել է, որ իրենց կուսակցությունը սոցինտերնի անդամ է և նույն չափորոշիչներով էլ առաջնորդվում է։ «Միասեռականների մասին հարցեր կարող են տալ այն կուսակցություններին, որոնք դիրքորոշում չեն հայտնել։ ՀՅԴ-ն սոցինտերնի անդամ է»,- ասել է Ռոստամյանը…

Seriously, Armen Rustamyan? Are you saying that Armenia’s ARF Dashnaktsutyun is guided by the Socialist International’s principles about LGBT rights? To recall: MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia (see also links in the comments section of that post). These MPs were never reprimanded, they never ever apologised for their disgraceful behaviour and remain in high ranking positions within the Armenian branch of the party.

Now let’s check the Socialist International's principles re LGBT rights. Principles, that according to ARF Dashnaktsutyun party parliamentary head Armen Rustamyan, they are guided with. Here we are: Ethical charter of the Socialist International

“To respect and reinforce the fundamental human rights, be they individual rights (respect of private life, freedom of thought, belief, education, sexual orientation and right to equal treatment etc.), social rights (freedom of trade unions, right to strike, social protection etc.) or political rights (freedom of association, universal vote). 

To foster gender equality in every area of private and public life, including within our parties, in decision-making positions in all fields and at all levels. 

To fight against all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, language, religion, philosophical or political beliefs. 

To fight against all ultra nationalist, fundamentalist, xenophobic and racist trends and to refrain from all forms of political alliance or co-operation, at any level, with any political party inciting or trying to inflame prejudices, ethnic or racial hatred.” Adopted in 27-29 October 2003 at the XXII Congress of the Socialist International, São Paulo.

If we follow these principles that all members of the Socialist International must adhere to, ARF Dashnaktsutyun (supposedly) respects and reinforces the fundamental human rights, including based on sexual orientation, and fights against all forms of discrimination, including based on gender and sexual orientation. I am not even going into the part of fighting “against all ultra nationalist… trends” etc.etc. Basically, it’s the best party ever. We just did not know.

Make a note of this reference, and challenge ARF Dashnaktsutyun party’s stance on LGBT rights in Armenia, in accordance with the principles of the Socialist International.

*picture - via Epress.am

NYC-based Armenian gay rights group (AGLA NY) statement against attempts at introducing in Armenia Russia-like 'propaganda' law

Read also:

Testing grounds: anti-gay ‘propaganda’ bill proposed, then swiftly withdrawn in Armenia

Human Rights Watch letter to Armenia president regarding proposal for anti-LGBT legislation


*source AGLA NY

STATEMENT

The Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York is alarmed that in August 2013 the Armenian police proposed a ban on “promoting non-traditional sexual relationships”, which would effectively target LGBT people in Armenia with prejudice. We call for the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament to strike down any further attempts to legislate discrimination against LGBT Armenians.

After the DIY bar bombing and attack on a cultural diversity march in Yerevan in May of 2012, it was clear that intervention was needed to guarantee human rights. But little has been done. Some LGBT Armenians, productive members of society, have been forced to leave Armenia after the events of last May in order to escape threats to their lives. The DIY firebombers have been sentenced with little more than a slap on the wrist. Recent violent threats against organizations that work for gender equality indicate the need for more protection, not persecution.

The police proposed Article 47.7 to the Administrative Violations Code, which threatened the civil rights of LGBT people and any individual or organization who would discuss LGBT issues in public. Though the bill was withdrawn, it seems it was only because it was poorly drafted, suggesting the motivation was merely an expression by the police of prejudice. The fact that the wording of the bill echoes legislation in Russia is even more disturbing, given the levels of violence waged against LGBT people there since its passage. Now that Armenia has signed on to a Customs Union with Russia, it seems the situation is dire, and that continuing emulation of Russian laws will follow.

AGLA NY and members of the Diaspora have been watching signs of human rights violations in Armenia with growing concern. We now ask the government to follow its own constitution in guaranteeing the rights of all its citizens by taking a stand against any future attempts to legislate against LGBT people.
***
[in Armenian]

Նյու-Յորքի հայ գեյերի եւ լեսբուհիների ասոցիացիան (ԱԳԼԱ Նյու-Յորք) մտահոգ է այն փաստով, որ 2013թ. օգոստոսին սկզբում Հայաստանի ոստիկանությունը արգելք առաջարկեց «ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչության» համար, ինչն արդյունավետ կերպով նախապաշարմունքներով կթիրախավորեր Հայաստանում ԼԳԲՏ մարդկանց: Մենք կո ́չ ենք անում Նախագահին, Վարչապետին եւ ԱԺ- ին վերջ դնել ԼԳԲՏ հայերի նկատմամբ խտրականության օրինականացման ցանկացած այլ փորձի:

2012թ. մայիսին Երեւանում DIY բարի պայթեցումից եւ մշակութային բազմազանության երթի վրա հարձակումից հետո պարզ էր, որ մարդու իրավունքների երաշխավորման համար անհրաժեշտ էր միջամտություն: Բայց շատ քիչ բան արվեց: Մի քանի ԼԳԲՏ հայեր, հասարակության օգտակար անդամներ ստիպված եղան լքել Հայաստանը անցյալ մայիսին կատարված իրադարձություններից հետո` խուսափելու համար իրենց կյանքին սպառնալիքներից: DIY-ը պայթեցնողները դատապարտվեցին դաստակի ապտակից մի փոքր ծանր պատժով: Գենդերային հավասարության համար աշխատող կազմակերպությունների նկատմամբ վերջերս տեղի ունեցեղ բռնի սպառնալիքները ցույց են տալիս, որ կա ավելի շատ պաշտպանության, այլ ոչ թե հալածանքի կարիք:

Ոստիկանությունը Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ ՀՀ օրենսգրքում նախաձեռնել էր Հոդված 47.7-ը, ինչը սպառնում էր ԼԳԲՏ անձանց քաղաքացիական իրավունքներին եւ ցանկացած այլ անհատի կամ կազմակերպության, եթե նրանք հանրայնորեն քննարկեին ԼԳԲՏ խնդիրները: Թեեւ օրինագիծը հետ կանչվեց, թվում է, որ դա արվեց միայն այն պատճառով, որ շատ վատ էր մշակված եւ արտահայտում էր ոստիկանության նախապաշարմունքային դրդապատճառները: Այն փաստը, որ օրինագծի ձեւակերպումը Ռուսաստանի օրենսդրության ընդօրինակումն է, շատ ավելի մտահոգիչ է, հաշվի առնելով օրենքի ընդունումից հետո այնտեղ ԼԳԲՏ անձանց նկատմամբ կատարվող բռնության մակարդակը: Հիմա, քանի որ Հայաստանը ցանկություն է հայտնել միանալ Ռուսաստանի հետ Մաքսային Միությանը, թվում է, որ իրավիճակը սոսկալի է, եւ որ Ռուսաստանի օրենքների կրկնօրինակման գործընթացը կշարունակվի:

ԱԳԼԱ Նյու-Յորքը եւ սփյուռքի ժողովուրդը մտահոգությամբ նկատում են Հայաստանում աճող մարդու իրավունքների ոտնահարուման դեպքերը: Մենք հիմա խնդրում ենք Կառավարությանը հետեւել իր սեփական Սահմանադրությանը` երաշխավորելով իր բոլոր քաղաքացիների իրավունքները, միջոցներ ձեռնարկել ԼԳԲՏ անձանց դեմ ուղղված ցանկացած օրենքի ընդունման հետագա փորձի դեմ:

Testing grounds: anti-gay ‘propaganda’ bill proposed, then swiftly withdrawn in Armenia

Last week, a proposal by Armenia police in a form of amendments to the administrative offenses law was published on police.am website for “public consultations”. As per the amendments, hefty fines would be imposed on individuals, officials, organisations or media for “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”.

«Հոդված 47.8. Ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչությունը 1. Ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների վերաբերյալ քարոզչությունը` առաջացնում է տուգանքի նշանակում քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հիսնապատիկից մինչև հարյուրապատիկի չափով, պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրապատիկից մինչև հարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով և իրավաբանական անձի պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի երկուհարյուրապատիկից մինչև երկուհարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով: 2. Սույն հոդվածի առաջին մասով նախատեսված արարքը, որը կատարվել է զանգվածային լրատվության միջոցների օգտագործմամբ` առաջացնում է տուգանքի նշանակում քաղաքացիների նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրապատիկից մինչև հարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով, պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի հարյուրհիսնապատիկից մինչև երկուհարյուրապատիկի չափով և իրավաբանական անձի պաշտոնատար անձանց նկատմամբ` սահմանված նվազագույն աշխատավարձի երկուհարյուրհիսնապատիկից մինչև երեքհարյուրհիսնապատիկի չափով:»

This was effectively a copycat of the exact same wording in similar Russian law. The latter generated an international outrage and resulted in further deterioration of rights of LGBT people and overall human rights situation in Russia. [Amnesty International’s blog drew parallels between Russia and Armenia re homophobia & so called gay 'propaganda' bills.]

As the author and activist Nancy Kricorian tweeted, right to the point: "ARMENIA acting as Russia's "Mini-Me' in proposing gay "propaganda" ban".  

While technically proposed by police, to say that it's Armenia police draft proposal is to say nothing because everyone knows unless it’s sanctioned by Baghramyan 26 (presidential HQ), or at least one of its competing fractions, police wouldn't think of proposing anything.

I call this testing grounds. A blatant attempt by some Russia connected structures and individuals in Armenia to derail the association agreement with the EU.

Initial reaction to the proposal was predominantly negative full of ridiculing police and the draft law. Even people who you would not necessarily consider gay friendly made fun of the published provisions, and the main topic of discussions within the Armenian segment of Facebook was to define, often humorously, the term "non-traditional sexual relations".

Few further points I'd like to make. Since when Armenia police turned into a ‘morality police’? I mean particularly the published “motivation” for developing such bill, i.e. “protecting traditional family values” and so on. They cited one article of the Armenian Constitution that the basis of Armenian society is family, but there is nothing there to suggest “traditional family” in police interpretation.

“ՀՀ Սահմանադրության 35-րդ հոդվածի համաձայն` ընտանիքը հասարակության բնական և հիմնական բջիջն է: Պետությունն իր հերթին միջոցներ է ձեռնարկում ամուր ընտանիք կազմելուն նպաստելու, ընտանիքի համար բավարար կենսամակարդակի, այդ թվում՝ բնակարանի, ինչպես նաև իր քաղաքացիների կենսապայմանների բարելավման համար: Նորանկախ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության համար առավել քան արդիական է հայ ավանդական ընտանիքի մոդելի պահպանման խնդիրը, քանի որ հենց ավանդական բարոյական արժեքների վրա հիմնված ընտանիքն է հանդիսանում մեր ազգապահպանության հենասյունը: Ինտեգրվելով եվրոպական արժեքներին` մենք, կամա թե ակամա, դարձանք ոչ միայն ժողովրդավարության համամարդկային արժեքների կրողը, այլև միաժամանակ ընդունեցինք հայ ազգային մտածողությանը խորթ երևույթներ: Դրանցից մեկը ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերություններն են, որոնք շատ ժամանակ խրախուսվում են հասարակության կողմից` առանց գիտակցելու տվյալ երևույթի արատավոր և կործանարար ազդեցությունը հայ ընտանիքի կազմավորման, ապագա սերունդների հոգեկերտվածքի ձևավորման, դաստիարակության և այլ հարցերում: Այս երևույթն առավել վտանգավոր է դառնում այն բոլոր դեպքերում, երբ ոչ միայն խրախուսվում է, այլև` քարոզվում: Քարոզչական տարբեր մեթոդների կիրառումը նպաստում է նրան, որ երևույթն ընկալվում է որպես գովազդ և սկսում է դիտարկվել ինչպես օրինաչափ և բնական յուրաքանչյուր երևույթ: Այնինչ, բացասական երևույթների նմանօրինակ եղանակներով հրապարակայնացումն ու քարոզչությունը չեն կարող խրախուսվել մի պետության կողմից, որը դարերն ի վեր գոյատևել է ավանդական արժեքների, կայուն ընտանիքի պահպանման շնորհիվ: Մեր պետության առջև ծառացած այս արատավոր երևույթը և դրա հետագա տարածումը կանխելու նպատակով` նախապատրաստվել է «Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենսգրքում լրացումներ կատարելու մասին» ՀՀ օրենքի նախագիծը, որը վարչական պատասխանատվություն է նախատեսում ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունների քարոզչության համար: Ընդ որում, օրինագիծն առավել խիստ պատասխանատվություն է նախատեսում ոչ ավանդական սեռական հարաբերությունները զանգվածային լրատվության միջոցների օգտագործմամբ քարոզելու դեպքում:” 

They also conveniently ‘forgot’ article 14.1 of the very Constitution they are supposedly basing their proposal on. Let’s then ditch the Constitution altogether and start living under “traditional” laws, whatever that means. And btw, I do not think it’s a police job to interpret the Constitution. Luckily, Armenia is not considered a police state... yet.

Within a matter of one day this draft bill already managed to hurt Armenia's image.  News gone viral internationally and immediate pressure exhorted to withdraw the draft bill from circulation.

The following day police chief withdrew the draft bill citing “shortcomings” and “no priority”.


08.08.2013 14:41 Օրինագիծը հետ է ուղարկվել
ՀՀ ոստիկանության  կայքէջի «Օրենսդրություն» խորագրի «Հանրային քննարկումներ» և «Նախագծեր»  ենթաբաժիններում զետեղվել էր  «Վարչական իրավախախտումների վերաբերյալ Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենսգրքում լրացումներ կատարելու մասին» ՀՀ օրենքի նախագիծը: Օրենքի նախագիծը մշակվել է ՀՀ ոստիկանության իրավաբանական վարչության կողմից` հիմք ընդունելով  մի քանի տասնյակ մտավորականների դիմում-բողոքները: Ոստիկանության պետ Վլադիմիր Գասպարյանը, նկատի ունենալով օրինագծի` քննարկումների ընթացքում  ի հայտ եկած  թերություններն ու բացթողումները, ինչպես և նշելով, որ այդ խնդիրն այսօր ոստիկանության առաջնահերթություններից չէ, օրինագիծը հետ է ուղարկել:

 

This is not the end of the story, however. I suspect attempts to introduce similar bills will continue, particularly via parliament. And if this happens, it will only be because ruling regime decided so. If you know the Armenian pyramid of power, you know that Baghramyan 26 controls the parliament and no such decision could be made without president’s ok.



As I tweeted earlier (here and here):

FYI Armenia: No country ever benefited from anti-gay 'propaganda' laws. It leads to more discussions & disastrous image consequences. Even Putin's Russia with its seemingly 'I can do whatever I want' attitude struggle to cope with international PR disaster following anti-gay laws. And this is how it should be and will be.


#funnysad : “No Cross-Dressing Comedians Please, We're Azerbaijani”

Even in the former Soviet Union cross-dressing for comical purposes, comedy sketches was considered pretty acceptable and widely used.

In independent Azerbaijan, like in other post-Soviet states, including Armenia, cross-dressing is still used by some of the most popular comedians, actors, performers.

RFE/RL report suggests, however, that at least for one Azeri MP & co this is no longer considered as ‘funny’ (regardless of the context) .

Dressing up as women is something of a stock in trade for Azerbaijani comedians Rafael and Cosqun. But the double act has run into trouble over an advertisement for a major mobile-phone operator in which the two men don blond and brunette wigs twinned with white and black dresses. The advertisement for Azercell appeared on billboards across Baku and on television. [...] But not everyone was amused. Parliament member Fazil Mustafa sharply criticized the actors' cross-dressing, labeling it as contradictory to the Azerbaijani mentality, and last month called on the Baku City Executive Office to take down the billboards.

*picture via RFE/RL

If I understood right from this Wikipedia article (AZ), he is a member of parliamentary human rights committee (! - not that I have any illusion re what ‘human rights’ committee in Azeri parliament could possibly represent) and member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE. He is also a member of the “Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe” (no comment, indeed). 

I suppose, as long as cross-dressing appeared as part of parody or comedy sketch shows, it was considered for him & co as something of an ‘entertainment only’, 'safe', something to laugh-off. But seeing this on billboards, up-your-face, or as part of ads entering into daily life (routine!) signalled some kind of ‘threat to masculinity’ and apparently 'national mentality'.

I like the mobile phone company response: “The company has investigated and established that there are no laws that would forbid male actors in women's clothing from promoting a company. The 'Azercell' advertisement contained no embarrassing elements and nothing that would cause psychological stress or spoil people's moral atmosphere."

Truly, a comedy. #funnysad

The ads were since halted and billboards taken down, reports RFE/RL.



*Thanks to O.K. for the link.

PACE delegates slam Armenian MPs who condoned attack on gay friendly bar DIY in capital Yerevan (statement)

*source: PACE (Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe)

Homophobic violence openly condoned by certain Armenian members of Parliament 

27 June 2012  
Written declaration 527 

On May 8 an LGBT friendly bar in Yerevan was firebombed. Two of the arsonists have been arrested.

Certain Armenian MPs have openly condoned the arson attack. One is reported to have stated that the attack was completely “right and justified”, and to have claimed that those who support the rights of LGBT Armenians "are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity." Two others paid the bail of one of the arsonists. One of these MPs is reported to have asserted that the arsonists "acted in accordance with our society's values and national ideology", although adding that "it was wrong to cause material damage".

We call upon the Armenian authorities to publicly repudiate such statements, to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and to put in place measures to protect LGBT people from violence and discrimination and to counteract homophobic and transphobic attitudes in society, in accordance with the Committee of Ministers Recommendation on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Signed:

GUNNARSSON Jonas Sweden SOC

ACKETOFT Tina Sweden ALDE

ALONSO José Antonio Spain SOC

ANDERSON Donald United Kingdom SOC

AXELSSON Lennart Sweden SOC

CONNARTY Michael United Kingdom SOC

ČRNAK MEGLIČ Andreja Slovenia SOC

DAVIES Geraint United Kingdom SOC

DAVIES Don Canada

DOBBIN Jim United Kingdom SOC

FISCHEROVÁ Jana Czech Republic EDG

GARDETTO Jean-Charles Monaco EPP/CD

HÄGG Carina Sweden SOC

HÄRSTEDT Kent Sweden SOC

HAUGLI Håkon Norway SOC

JÁUREGUI Ramón Spain SOC

JENSEN Mogens Denmark SOC

LUNDGREN Kerstin Sweden ALDE

MEALE Alan United Kingdom SOC

MOGHERINI REBESANI Federica Italy SOC

MULIĆ Melita Croatia SOC

OHLSSON Carina Sweden SOC

PERNASKA Lajla Albania EPP/CD

RECORDON Luc Switzerland SOC

SHERIDAN Jim United Kingdom SOC

SYDOW Björn, von Sweden SOC

VILLUMSEN Nikolaj Denmark UEL

VUČKOVIĆ Nataša Serbia SOC

WURM Gisela Austria SOC

Total = 28

*EPP/CD: Group of the European People's Party SOC: Socialist Group ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe EDG: European Democrat Group UEL: Group of the Unified European Left NR: Representatives not belonging to a Political Group

Relevant background reading: 

HATE CRIME: DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan under neo-nazi arson attack

MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvin Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia

ARF Dashnaktsutyun must "send a strong message", or else is tarnished with this "heinous act" (re neo-nazi attack on DIY and Dashnak MP in Armenia supporting hate crime)

Disgraced Armenia MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun Artsvik Minasyan calls for fight against gays as “threat to national security”

Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks

ARF Central Committee in US condemns hate crime in Armenia as more local Dashnak MPs endorse firebombers and encourage anti-gay violence

Armenia Football Federation president Ruben Hayrapetyan ‘against terrorism’ but ‘ready to punish gays and eradicate from society’

US embassy condemns continuous violence against DIY, LGBT people in Armenia, urges zero tolerance re hate crimes

The US embassy in Armenia issued a statement condemning the firebombing of DIY bar in Yerevan. The wording of this statement leaves no doubts that US is pretty critical of Armenian authorities handling this hate crime. "Acts of hate should never be condoned by public officials, let alone praised." - says the embassy statement referring to number of MPs and state officials, including ARF Dashnaktsutyun party reps and ruling Republican party spokesman Edurard Sharmazanov, endorsing the attackers and encouraging anti-gay violence. [Read: Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks] The US embassy urges the authorities to "adopt a zero tolerance policy against all hate crimes and violence directed at minorities in Armenia, and to fulfill their responsibility for according all citizens protection under the law."
***

U.S. Embassy Statement on Violence against Minorities 

May 24, 2012 

[Armenian version]

The US Embassy condemns the firebombing of Yerevan's D.I.Y. Club on May 8, 2012, and the continued acts of vandalism against the club. The crime appears to have targeted a sexual minority group.  Armenia’s own constitution prohibits the incitement and use of violence. Using violence against any minority--racial, religious, ethnic or sexual--is unpardonable. Acts of hate should never be condoned by public officials, let alone praised. Regardless of their minority affiliation, all citizens and foreign guests in Armenia enjoy equal protection under Armenia’s constitution and law, so violence against them should be swiftly and firmly prosecuted and the offenders punished. We urge Armenian officials to adopt a zero tolerance policy against all hate crimes and violence directed at minorities in Armenia, and to fulfill their responsibility for according all citizens protection under the law.

Today, in Washington, D.C., Secretary Clinton is releasing the 2011 Annual Human Rights Reports, which call for tolerance of diversity, all types of diversity, based on internationally accepted standards and principles.   You can watch the live broadcast of the release at http://www.state.gov at 10:30am (6:30pm in Yerevan).
***
In the meantime, the US State Department released its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011 - Armenia

Report says: "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons were subjected to societal abuse and discrimination by military and prison authorities."

Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Societal attitudes toward LGBT persons remained highly negative, with society generally viewing homosexuality as an affliction. Societal discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity negatively affected the employment, family relations, and access to education and health care of sexual minorities. Openly gay men were exempt from military service, purportedly because of concern that fellow servicemen would abuse them. However, the actual exemption required a medical finding, by means of a psychological examination, that an individual had a mental disorder; this information was stamped in the individual’s personal documents. According to human rights activists, sexual minorities were frequent targets for humiliating discrimination in prisons, where they were forced to perform degrading labor and separated from the rest of the prison population.
Other Societal Violence or Discrimination
There were no reports during the year of acts of societal violence or discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS.

Terrorists as ‘national heroes’? Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman and MP explicitly support firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan and encourage anti-gay attacks

Absolutely disgusting and outrageous! Pretty much nauseating, in fact.

Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman, MP Eduard Sharmazanov in a statement to local media explicitly supported firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan. [Republican party of Armenia is a member of the European People’s party].

He dubbs terrorist act by firebombers against gay friendly DIY bar a “rebellion” and - echoing ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan - calls it “right and justified” (!!!)

“All those who are trying to protect homosexuals, who are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity. As an Armenian citizen and member of a national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals, who have created a den of perversion in our country and have a goal of alienating the society from its moral values, completely right and justified. And those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values”, said Eduard Sharmazanov.  

Another MP of ruling Republican party Hovhannes Sahakyan similarly supported the attackers and the stance of two MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun who bailed out firebomber and (in case of Artsvik Minasyan) justified the attack. He praised firebombers who made a “practical step” and have not just satisfied with online discussions (!!!).

Որպես քաղաքացի ողջունում եմ այդ երիտասարդներին, նաեւ ցանկացած օրինական միջոցներով ու մեթոդներով բոլոր արատավոր երեւույթների դեմ մղվող պայքարը: Գուցեեւ այս երիտասարդների գործողությունները մի փոքր ավելի կտրուկ ու ագրեսիվ են եղել, սակայն պետք է հաշվի առնել նրանց տարիքը: Այդ տարիքում բոլորս էլ շատ ավելի անկառավարելի եւ հանդուգն ենք եղել: Ինձ համար շատ ավելի կարեւոր է, որ այդ երիտասարդները գիտակցում են իրենց հայ լինելը, զգում են ազգային արմատները եւ չեն հանդուժել, որ ազգայինը խաթարող արատները չափից դուրս դրսեւորում ունենան: Միանգամայն ողջունում են նաեւ ազգային արժեքների պահպանման նախանձախնդիր եւ այս հարթությունում մեր մշտական գործընկեր Դաշնակցության պատգամավորների քայլերը: [...]
Աղանդների ու սեռական շեղումներ ունեցող խմբերի դեմ նույնիսկ շատ ավելի կոշտ միջոցներով է հարկավոր պայքարել, քանի որ այս երեւույթները մեզանից քաղաքացիներ են խլում, հայ մարդուն են այլասերում: Հայ առողջ մարդու հոգեւոր ու զգայական ներաշխարհին, աշխարհընկալմանը խորթ, անընդունելի ու անհանդուրժելի երեւույթների դեմ յուրաքանչյուրս էլ կարող ենք կտրուկ եւ կոշտ դրսեւորումներ ունենալ: Արդյունքը հանցանք թե զանցանք կլինի՝ կորոշի օրենքը: Համենայն դեպս, արատավոր երեւույթների դեմ պայքարը մեզանում չափազանց դրսեւորումներ չի ունեցել, զոհեր չեն եղել: Հասկանալի է, որ այս երիտասարդները ծայրահեղ քայլի են դիմել, բայց նաեւ ողջունելի է, որ գործնական քայլ են կատարել եւ չեն բավարարվել ինտերնետային գնահատականներով: Թեկուզ մարգինալ, բայց այս երիտասարդները նաեւ հայրենասերներ են: 

What is going on in Armenia? Are we seriously moving towards state sponsored fascism? I thought we were moving towards Europe...

And this is happening in a country that made significant contribution to the fight against fascism... In a country that survived the Genocide...

This can no longer be considered as "internal affairs" of Armenia. This is developing into a real threat towards lives and freedom of citizens of Republic of Armenia. Terrorists acts are being justified and encouraged at a very high state level of the Armenian parliament and ruling party. Anti-gay attackers are being effectively proclaimed as 'national heroes’.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country.

Argentina says Yes! to gay marriage

BBC reports that “Argentina has become the first country in Latin America to legalise gay marriage after the Senate voted in favour. The country's Chamber of Deputies had already approved the legislation. The vote in the Senate, which backed the bill by just six votes, came after 14 hours of at times heated debate. The law, which also allows same-sex couples to adopt, had met with fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and other religious groups. The legislation, backed by President Cristina Fernandez's centre-left government, passed by 33 votes to 27 with three abstentions.”

I second Ricky Martin who tweeted the news: “#Argentina votes yes on gay marriage law! A great nation making history”.

Oh, poor Kissag Mouradian, Archbishop of the Armenian church in Argentina… You - along with some other religious leaders - were so out of touch with reality and trying so hard to oppose the bill. Do not you worry, you will be good, you will catch up. For now, as British would say, have a cup of tea…

BBC reminds that “there have been several gay marriages recently in Argentina, some of which were annulled by the Supreme Court, creating a legal controversy. Civil unions between people of the same sex are legal in Buenos Aires and in some other provinces but there was no law to regulate it on a country-wide level.

Argentina's capital is widely considered to be among the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. It was the first Latin American city to legalise same-sex unions.

Same-sex civil unions are also legal in Uruguay and some states in Brazil and Mexico, while gay marriage is legal in Mexico City.”

*picture -by Reuters, via BBC

Armenian church against gay marriage... in Argentina

Apparently, Armenian church representative in Argentina has nothing more to do than to actively protest the possible final approval of same-sex marriage bill by country’s Senate. Spanish-language online outlets report that the Archbishop of the Armenian church in Argentina Kissag Mouradian joined the anti-gay marriage voices by some other religious leaders at parliamentary committee hearings on same-sex marriage bill.

Earlier this year Argentine congress voted to legalise gay marriage. The bill then moved to the Senate where its “prospects are unclear”.

Kissag Mouradian called marriage between two men or two women “unthinkable”, “flatly rejected the idea of same-sex marriage”. (translations from Spanish by Google Translate)

The relatively ‘good news’ - if I may say so - is that reportedly he was not the harshest critique of the bill.

The only religious leader who supported the bill was Rabbi Daniel Goldman who argued that Judaism “is a search for the family, so family models, over time, may be modifying”. (Google Translate)

Here are few links to Spanish language sources carrying the news: 1, 2, 3, 4.

*picture - via The Armenian Church

PACE reminds European governments of their obligation to protect human rights defenders. Caucasus region is of particular concern

Strasbourg, 28.04.2009 - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today reminded European governments of their “obligation and responsibility” to protect human rights defenders and their work “by providing an enabling environment” and, if necessary, “protection mechanisms to ensure the physical integrity” of those who face specific threats.

The parliamentarians expressed concern about the situation of human rights defenders who are most exposed to attacks and abuses: those fighting against impunity for serious crimes and against corruption, as well as those working on economic, social and cultural rights, on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, as well as for the rights of migrants, national or ethnic minorities.

“Women defenders also face distinct risks and obstacles. In particular, the situation of human rights defenders in the Caucasus region, where some of them face the most violent repression, including killing, abduction, arbitrary arrests and detention, is critical,” they said.

Following the proposals by the rapporteur Holger Haibach (Germany, EPP/CD), the Assembly urged Council of Europe member states to “publicly and firmly support” the activities of human rights defenders and to “guarantee in all circumstances their physical and psychological integrity”. Governments, they said, should establish “humanitarian visa schemes” for those facing imminent danger. Quoting from a recent speech of German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the Assembly, Mr Haibach said that we have not only a right, but a duty to intervene to protect human rights defenders.

The adopted text welcomes the Declaration recently adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, which mandates the Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen the role and capacity of his office in order to provide strong and effective protection for human rights defenders and to intervene in threatening situations.

While stressing that the Assembly intends to step up its support for human rights defenders across the continent, the resolution recalls that PACE recently established an annual Human Rights Prize to reward outstanding civil society action in the defence of human rights in Europe.

*source: Council of Europe; emphasis mine

"Historic moment for LGBT rights in the European Parliament"

European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights welcomes two important reports adopted yesterday by the European Parliament.

The Report on "Rights of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States" calls on Member States to recognize the freedom of movement of all Union citizens (including same-sex partners) without imposing the recognition of same-sex marriages.

The other report drafted by rapporteur Ms. Buitenweg backed the European Commission's Equality Treatment Directive proposal, which will outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, disability, age and religion in social protection and health care, social benefits, education and access to goods and services, including housing. The Parliament also believes the directive should cover multiple discrimination, based on two or more grounds.

"We warmly welcome both reports and thank Ms.Buitenweg and Ms.Valean for the tremendous job they have done," said Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup. "When extremism is on the rise throughout Europe, we must speak out for those who suffer inequality, harassment and outright discrimination every single day!".

*source: European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights

Amusing report on HIV/AIDS law amendments discussed in Armenian parliament

A1+ reports:

REPUBLICANS CAME TO COMBAT AIDS

[...] The NA [Armenian parliament] hall filled during the discussion of the draft law on “the combat against illnesses caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).” Republican MPs rushed to the hall elbowing each other, “Let’s go and see what they say about AIDS,” they said to each other.

*photo - Photolur, via A1+

Introducing yet another bigot – Armenian doctor MP Karen Avagyan

Armenian doctor MP from the ruling Republican party, member of the parliamentary Health Care Committee Karen Avagyan's interview with Aravot daily:

"It’s true, the existence of sexual minorities is not accepted by our society although there are such people in this very society. Regardless of whatever documents our country signs, whatever actions are conducted, acceptance will not get materialised, and thanks God that it won't. This conservatism is very necessary for us. I may well have acquaintances with such people too without knowing that they are such people, but if I knew, I won’t have any relations/contacts with them."

Մերժում է սեռական փոքրամասնություններին
Սեռական փոքրամասնությունների գոյությունը իրոք մեր հասարակության կողմից չի ընկալվում, չնայած նույն հասարակության մեջ կան այդպիսի մարդիկ: Մեր երկիրը ինչ փաստաթուղթ էլ ստորագրի, ինչ միջոցառումներ էլ անցկացվեն, միեւնույն է, հասարակական ընկալում չի ձեւավորվում եւ փառք Աստծո, որ չի ձեւավորվում: Այս պահպանողականությունը մեզ շատ է պետք: Միգուցե ես էլ եմ նման մարդկանց հետ շփվում ու չգիտեմ, որ նրանք այդ մարդիկ են, բայց եթե այդ մասին իմանամ՝ այլեւս նրանց հետ չեմ շփվի:

He is MP. He is doctor MP. Still, no much surprises here as the same doctor MP mentions during the interview, somehow proudly, that he would never marry non-virgin woman.

«Երբեք չէի ամուսնանա մի կնոջ հետ, ով մինչ ամուսնությունը սեռական հարաբերություն է ունեցել այլ տղամարդու հետ»

From his bio on parliament.am:

He was born on December 6, 1974 in Yerevan.

In 1999 he graduated from the general medicine faculty of Yerevan State Medical University/YSMU, In 2001 he graduated from the residency training of forensic medicine of YSMU. 2001 –2004 he was a post-graduate in YSMU, 2003-2004 he was a post-graduate in A. Humboldt University. He is a forensic doctor, candidate of medical sciences, docent.

2003-2005 he was a President of YSMU Students’ Parliament.

2002-2004 he worked at the chair of forensic medicine of YSMU as a senior laboratory assistant, 2004-2006 - an assistant, since 2006 – docent, 2005-2007 he was aide to the Prime Minister.

In 2006 he was awarded a medal of Prime Minister. He is a Chairman of the RPA Youth organization.

On May 12, 2007 he was elected a deputy by the proportional electoral system from the Republican Party of Armenia. He is a member of the RPA board.

He is married, has a child.

Armenia’s “Human Rights Day”

10 December – Human Rights Day, 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

For details - see Unzipped