a1plus.am 10.04.2010
Article 26 of the RA Constitution envisages that everyone has a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Recent surveys of the OSCE Yerevan Office and "Collaboration for Democracy" Centre show that the right is often violated in the country, especially in marzes.
Within the framework of today's discussion on "Religious Tolerance in Armenia," President of Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor office Artur Sakunts presented cases of religious intolerance in Lori Marz.
"One of the local teachers considered it within his competence to "test" pupils on religious questions and mistreated those who did not attend the Apostolic Church. The same teacher took an active part in electoral riggings."
"No one and no church can privatize my conscience and freedom. I am free in my belief," said Artur Sakunts. He thinks that today the church and other religious organizations are extremely isolated and cut off from society.
Ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan says Armenia is extremely tolerant to ethnic minorities, their beliefs and traditions. She welcomes a more balanced approach to religious problems in the press.
The ethnographer salutes public resentment over a government decision on demolishing the summer hall of "Moscow" Cinema. "The course of events shows that our society has become sensitive to religious issues. What's the use of a new church if there are many empty churches in Yerevan?"
The leader of the Evangelical Church, Rene Levonian expressed hope that the state will pay more attention to religious organizations.
"We see a contradiction between the Constitution and other laws. For example, the Constitution says that RA citizens are free in their religious beliefs while the Law on Freedom of Religion sets certain restrictions on the activities of religious organizations. The Armenian Apostolic Church is of great importance, but other religious organizations also have the right to practice their faith," said Mr. Levonian.
