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Armenia

Fun Fast Facts:

Updated: 28Jul 2015 (Caught between Russia and the EU)

  • Between 1920-1991, Armenia was part of the USSR, whose law, Section 121 of the former Soviet Union penal code, criminalised anal intercourse between men. However lesbian and non-penetrative gay sex between consenting adults was not explicitly mentioned in the law as being a criminal offence.
  • Homosexuality has been legal in Armenia since 2003.
  • Homosexuality remains a taboo topic in many parts of Armenian society. In a 2012 study, 55% of correspondents in Armenia stated that they would cease their relationship with a friend or relative if they were to come out as gay.
  • There is no legal protection for LGBTIQ persons, whose human rights are violated regularly.
  • Armenia has been ranked 47th out of 49 European countries for LGBTIQ rights, with Russia and neighbouring Azerbaijan taking the 48th and 49th positions respectively.
  • Armenia does not allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

Broadcast: 28Jul 2015

Caught between Russia and the EU

LGBTIQ-friendly organisation: PINK Armenia

  • Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK) is an NGO founded in 2007.
  • PINK leads activities to increase public awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.
  • In the sphere of human rights protection, PINK Armenia promotes the ideas of equality and acceptance of vulnerable groups towards HIV and LGBTIQ people. Eliminating any kind of discrimination and bringing acceptance and appreciation of diversity in our society has now become an undertaking assignment for the organisation.
  • The activities of the NGO take place both in Yerevan and in regions of Armenia. At the “Information, Education, Communication” centre (Yerevan) the visitors have the possibility to participate in training, discussions, movie screenings, receive free of charge and anonymous counselling regarding sexual health and human rights, use the library and other services provided by the organisation.

W3JOY interviewed: Mamikon Hovsepyan of PINK Armenia

Listen to the podcast to learn about:

  • state-sponsored homophobia including hate speech in the nation’s Parliament
  • the lack of education on sexuality in Armenian schools
  • society’s response to LGBTIQ issues including the corrective rape of lesbians
  • difficulties of coming out to family
  • the influence of the church and neighbouring Russia
  • empowering local LGBTIQ people with the support of international organisations

Listen to the podcast



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