Proselytism will be criminally persecuted in ArmeniaFebruary 17, 2009 - 16:18 AMT 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. Top stories The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. The Armenian Parliament on Tuesday, October 3 voted to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |