def are_equal(value1, value2):
        """
        Checks if two values are equal. The operation can be performed over values of any type.

        :param value1: the first value to compare

        :param value2: the second value to compare

        :return: true if values are equal and false otherwise
        """
        if value1 == None or value2 == None:
            return True
        if value1 == None or value2 == None:
            return False
        return value1 == value2