The Armenian government has been criticized for failing to ensure that a film about gay rights could be shown, despite hostility from nationalist groups.
The European Union mission in Armenia, together with the German embassy, was hoping to show an award-winning Serbian film called “The Parade” at venues in Yerevan, to raise awareness about human rights.
The film is about attempts to organize a gay pride parade in the Serbian capital Belgrade in the face of fierce opposition.
The plan had to be shelved after nationalist demonstrations halted three separate attempts to screen the film in October.
In a joint statement from the EU and German missions following the last failed
attempt to show the films, on October 17-18 in the Congress Hotel the two delegations noted: “The EU delegation and the German embassy are concerned by the abrupt refusal of several venues to show the film, given that they initially agreed to host the screenings. This highlights the need for further awareness on tolerance in Armenia,” The statement added that local organizers had promised to show the films at a later date.
It also referred to a statement by EU delegation chief Traian Hristea on October 9 which said that some people were concerned that a film on this subject would be shown. “I would like to underline in response that the EU aim is to spread information and encourage awareness in Armenia, thus challenging stereotypes. One of art's important functions is to open discussions and confront prejudice and preconceived opinions," Hristea said.
More than 20 non-government organzsations joined forces to criticise the government for failing to protect screenings, which was part of a series of EU events to mark Human Rights Day 2012. “As part of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership, Armenia has accepted an obligation to reinforce respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the NGOs said in a joint letter. “Armenia receives support from the European Union, including financial support, to implement these reforms.”
Davit Harutyunyan, a member of the ruling Republican Party and chairman of parliament’s legal affairs committee, said the government was not currently taking specific action to protect homosexuals. “Of course society needs to be kept informed of these issues. However, the government thinks that although important, this is not a problem of major significance,” he said.
Read more: Armenia: Anti-Gay Protests Block Film Screening - Institute for War and Peace Reporting - P212
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