Latvian Members of Parliament have voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at protecting women from violence. The vote, held after an extensive debate, requires presidential approval to take effect. This decision follows protests in Riga and reactions from various groups within Latvia and internationally.
Parliamentary Vote and Treaty Background
On Thursday, Latvian MPs voted 56 to 32 to withdraw from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention. The vote occurred after a 13-hour debate in the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. The initiative to withdraw was sponsored by opposition parties and received support from politicians within the Union of Greens and Farmers, one of the three coalition parties.
The Istanbul Convention, established in 2011, mandates signatory governments to develop laws and support services to prevent and address all forms of violence against women. The treaty came into force in Latvia last year, following its ratification by the European Union in 2023.
Political and Public Reactions
The outcome of the vote poses a challenge for centre-right Prime Minister Evika Silina, who had previously joined protesters outside parliament. Ms. Silina stated to protesters, "We will not give up, we will fight so that violence does not win."
Ultra-conservative groups have argued that the treaty's emphasis on gender equality undermines family values and promotes what they describe as "gender ideology." Ainars Slesers, leader of Latvia First, a political group supporting the withdrawal, encouraged Latvians to choose between a "natural family" and a "gender ideology with multiple sexes."
Latvia's ombudswoman, Karina Palkova, called for the treaty not to be politicised. The group Equality Now stated that the convention was "not a threat to Latvian values" but "a tool to realise them."
Several thousand people participated in protests against the proposed withdrawal in Riga this week. Additionally, twenty-two thousand individuals have signed a Latvian petition against dropping the treaty. Women's rights group Centrs Marta has announced a protest for next Thursday, stating that MPs did not consider the views of the Latvian people.
International Context and Future Steps
Latvia is the first EU country to move towards withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention. Turkey withdrew from the treaty in 2021, a move described by the Council of Europe as a significant setback. Theodoros Rousopoulos, head of the Council of Europe's parliamentary assembly, stated that Latvia's decision was "unprecedented and deeply worrying," asserting it was a hasty decision influenced by disinformation. He also referenced a reported increase in femicide and violence against women in Turkey since its withdrawal.
The decision now rests with President Edgars Rinkevics, who will determine whether to approve the law. President Rinkevics stated on X that he would assess the decision under the constitution, considering "state and legal, rather than ideological or political, considerations." As the parliamentary vote did not achieve a two-thirds majority, the president retains the option to return the bill for an additional reading if he identifies objections. The Progressives, another member of the ruling coalition, indicated last week they would not preclude appealing to the Constitutional Court.