"The Latvian Parliament on Thursday voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at supporting women who are victims of violence. The tally from the ballot was 56 to withdraw from the treaty, 32 to remain, and two abstentions. Is the vote set in stone? The vote, which came after a 13-hour session of intense debate, would make Latvia the first European Union member state to quit the Istanbul Convention, which the very same parliament ratified in November 2024."
"Ultra-conservative groups and political parties across Europe, though, have criticized the treaty, arguing that it promotes "gender ideology," encourages sexual experimentation and harms children. In September, opposition lawmakers in Latvia began a process to pull out of the convention. They were joined by the Union of Greens and Farmers, an agrarian alliance member of the tripartite governing coalition, which also includes the center-right party of Prime Minister Evika Silina and a center-left party."
Latvian Parliament voted 56 to withdraw, 32 to remain, with two abstentions, to leave the Istanbul Convention ratified in November 2024. The motion requires President Edgars Rinkevics' signature, and he has indicated opposition but suggested he might not overrule Parliament. The Council of Europe treaty came into force in Latvia last year and standardizes support for women who are victims of violence, including domestic abuse. Ultra-conservative groups and some parties argued the treaty promotes "gender ideology," encourages sexual experimentation and harms children. Opposition lawmakers began withdrawal in September and were joined by the Union of Greens and Farmers; Prime Minister Evika Silina criticized the withdrawal attempts.
Read at www.dw.com
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