YEREVAN. - Social survey results reveal that 72.1% of respondents have negative attitude towards homosexuals in Armenia, sociologist at “Socio scope” social survey center Arus Harutyunyan said at a press conference on Tuesday. Surveys were conducted in Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor cities.

According to him, 27.4% made offensive remarks, while 17.7% negatively labeled homosexuals in Armenia. Only 11.5% are tolerant and 2.9% are sympathetic towards them in Armenia.

The expert said 66.9% of the respondents believe they should be condemned by the society, while women respondents are more tolerant on this issue.

18.6% of polees considers homosexuality is an illness, 12.7% - influence of the western states, 10.8% - result of an upbringing, and 9.9% - result of contacts via Internet. Majority of the respondents have stereotypes and their knowledge is beyond scientific explanations, the sociologist said.

He also added that homosexual behavior has a connection to national identity and that Armenians should not have homosexuals within the society and 52.7% respondents share this point of view.

The sociologist believes that anti-discrimination law should be adopted. Besides, events to raise public awareness should be organized.

The survey among 1156 people was organized by Public Awareness and Need for Knowledge NGO and Socio scope survey center.