Armenia`s parliament adopts controversial amendments to domestic  violence prevention law 

ArmInfo. The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, at its meeting on April 12, in the second  and final reading, introduced scandalous amendments to the law "On the prevention of domestic violence, the protection of persons subjected to domestic violence, and the restoration of solidarity in the family," developed by a group of deputies from the ruling "Civil Contract" faction. 57 deputies voted for their adoption, 25 voted  against, and one parliamentarian abstained.

According to the co-author of the presented document, Zaruhi Batoyan,  the amendments introduce criminal liability for a crime committed not  only by family members, but also by a cohabitant. It is also proposed  to expand the concept of "family violence" to include not only direct  violence, but also control over behavior.  In addition, it is  proposed to extend the period of protection for victims of domestic  violence (in the form of isolation, for example, of a father or  husband from his wife or children who have suffered beatings) from 12  to 18 months. A new concept of "partner" is also being introduced,  which caused a sharply negative reaction from both the opposition and  the Armenian Apostolic Church, according to which this concept does  not exclude the creation of families by same-sex couples.

Before the vote in the National Assembly, the secretary of the  opposition faction "Armenia" Artsvik Minasyan said that the faction  condemns the bill and opposes its adoption, since both the proposals,  factions, and the position of the AAC were ignored.

Earlier the Mother See of Etchmiadzin issued a statement in which it  expressed alarm at the presented document. According to the AAC, the  traditional understanding of family cannot be a subject of bargaining  for our nation; it has existential significance. Representatives of  the clergy called on parliamentary factions and deputies to reject  the adoption of the bill in its current form.