Proselytism will be criminally persecuted in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian parliament has discussed a draft bill on introduction of amendments into the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations.



According to Armen Ashotyan, the draft bill co-author and head of RA parliamentary permanent committee on education, science, culture, youth and sports, the bill is awaiting vote in the parliament.



"The Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations was adopted in 1991. It prohibits proselytism, yet doesn't offer a clear definition of the phenomenon," Armen Ashotyan told a news conference.



Proselytism is the term employed by the International Council of Churches. It is the practice of attempting to convert people to another opinion and, particularly, another religion. It is also used to refer to other religions' attempts to convert people to their beliefs or even any attempt to convert people to another point of view, religious or not.



"In such cases, citizens can turn to relevant state bodies to protect their rights," Ashotyan said.



"Besides, amendments to the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations will include sanctions for proselytism, to be punished with a penalty of 500 minimal salaries or 2-year imprisonment," he added.



To develop the draft bill, co-authors used the experience of European states, specifically France, Austria and Switzerland.



"We want to make it clear that the draft bill is not aimed at any religious organization. Besides, it does not extend upon religious organizations of Armenia's national minorities. Unfortunately we witnessed many religion -based tragedies. The bill envisages protection of rights, life and health of Armenian citizens," Ashotyan said.