During the press conference on November 3, founder of “For Restoration of Autonomy” initiative Hayk Ayvazyan addressed Article 197 (related to discrimination) of the new Criminal Code, claiming that an attempt is being made to introduce a program among 10-11 year olds that explains what homosexuality, sexual intercourse, incest are, how one should use contraceptives.
The Criminal Article
According to Article 197 of the new Draft Criminal Code, punishment is envisaged for those persons who will display discriminatory attitude, violate human rights on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, worldview, political or other views, belonging to a national minority, property, birth, health condition, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other circumstances of personal or social character.
This means that in case a homosexual person is dismissed from work because of his/her sexual orientation, the employer shall be punished with a fine, or public work, or imprisonment for a maximum term of two years.
Incest
Ayvazyan claimed that a program is introduced at schools in which schoolchildren are told about incest. “Do you think it is necessary to tell a child what sexual intercourse between family members is? What for?”, Ayvazyan says.
The program Ayvazyan refers to is the “Parents for the Sake of Happy Children” program introduced by “Women’s Resource Center” NGO, the target group of which were parents. According to its official website, the program is envisaged for parents, and 14-18-year old teenagers, and not 10-11 year olds. No suggestion has been made to introduce the program at schools.
Ayvazyan’s statement can lead to the impression that giving information on incest is aimed at involving people in the act of incest. However, when we read the section “Body Immunity and Sexual Violence”, it becomes clear that incest is discussed exclusively in terms of violence.
P.S. In 2016, “Union of Informed Citizens” NGO published a report about Hayk Ayvazyan and other persons, in which the Russian trace behind their activity was introduced.