New Headache Awaits Armenian Authorities: 'Haykakan Jamanak'

'Haykakan Jamanak' reports that the Armenian authorities are expecting a new headache: the draft law on 'Discrimination' which the Ministry of Justice intends to present to the National Assembly. A closed discussion on this draft was supposed to take place in the Assembly yesterday, but it did not occur.

It is noted that the draft in question is largely associated with sexual minorities. It was developed by the Ministry of Justice during the rule of the Republican Party back in 2015.

In 2015, the European Union, based on an agreement signed with the Armenian government, stipulated the allocation of 12 million euros for implementing regulations in the field of human rights protection, and the 'Discrimination' law was also to be adopted within this framework.

Previously, the project was shelved due to public pressure, but it has again become a topic of discussion. According to circulating rumors, Minister of Justice Artak Zeynalanyan was also supposed to participate in yesterday's canceled discussion, justifying that the EU is pressuring them to adopt the law.

However, the Ministry of Justice stated in an interview with 'Haykakan Jamanak' that they were not aware of any such discussion planned in the National Assembly and that the minister had not been invited to any discussion on the topic.

Meanwhile, this draft could create significant uproar if the government sends it to the parliament. One can hardly forget the recent events following a transgender's speech from the parliament podium.

Now, the Armenian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Justice, despite the Europeans' insistence, must remain steadfast on this issue, seeking various ways to skillfully postpone the discussion. The Armenian government has shown it can oppose superpowers and the international community for national interests repeatedly in the past year, so this minister also holds a 'carte blanche' in this regard. It remains to be seen if he will use it.

For more details, see today's issue of the newspaper.