From Armenia in brief: Parliament set to amend law on religious organizations

Published: Saturday February 21, 2009

The seventh-century St. Gayane Church near the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church at Etchmiadzin in Armenia. Photolure

Yerevan - Armen Ashotian, member of parliament from the governing Republican Party and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Science, Education, and Culture, introduced a bill on making amendments to the law on religious organizations. The bill was supported by all parties in the governing coalition.

According to the proposed amendments, representatives of religious organizations will not be allowed to go door-to-door preaching, will not be allowed to convert anyone through material incentives, or attempt to convert those who are in communion with the Armenian Apostolic Church. If the bill is passed into law, proselytizing will be a crime punishable by law. According to Armenia's Constitution, the Armenian Apostolic Church is guaranteed "privileged status," and even though there is separation of church and state in Armenia, the Constitution states that the church has an "exceptional mission in the spiritual life of the Armenian people."

According to RFE/RL, opponents state that this bill will further restrict the freedom of religious minorities and religious freedom in the country.