🔗 Share this article

Protesters gathered outside the legislative building this week

Latvia's lawmakers have voted to pull out from an international accord created to safeguard females from violence, including family violence, following extensive and heated discussions in the legislature.

Thousands of protesters gathered in the capital this past week to oppose the vote. The ultimate decision now lies with President the nation's president, who must determine whether to approve or veto the proposed law.

Known as the Istanbul Convention, the international accord only took effect in Latvia last year, mandating governments to establish legal frameworks and assistance programs to end all forms of abuse.

The Baltic nation has become the first European Union member to initiate the procedure of exiting from the convention. Turkey pulled out in two years ago, a move that human rights organizations characterized as a major setback for women's rights.

Ideological Controversy and Opposition

The treaty was approved by the EU in last year, yet conservative factions have contended that its focus on gender equality undermines traditional families and promotes what they term "gender ideology".

Following a lengthy debate in the Saeima, MPs decided 56 to 32 to exit from the treaty, a action proposed by political opponents but backed by representatives from one of the three governing partners.

The outcome represents a defeat for moderate conservative Prime Minister the nation's PM, who joined demonstrators outside parliament earlier this week. "We will not surrender, we will continue fighting so that abuse does not triumph," she declared to the assembly.

Political Disagreements and Reactions

One of the main political groups advocating for the withdrawal is Latvia First, whose leader has called on the public to choose between what he terms a "natural family" and "gender ideology with multiple sexes".

The nation's human rights commissioner Karina Palkova urged the treaty not to be politicized, while the organization Equality Now stated it was "not a threat to national principles, it served as a tool to achieve them".

The recent vote has sparked widespread outcry both within the country and internationally.

22,000 individuals have signed a Latvian petition calling for the treaty to be preserved. The gender equality group the rights center has called a demonstration for the coming week, accusing lawmakers of ignoring the wishes of the nation's citizens.

International Worries and Potential Future Actions

The leader of the European organization's parliamentary assembly stated that the Baltic state had made a hasty decision driven by false information. He described it as an "unprecedented and deeply concerning step backward for female equality and fundamental freedoms in Europe".

He noted that since the transcontinental nation abandoned the convention four years ago, instances of femicide and violence against women had increased significantly.

Because the vote did not achieve a two-thirds majority, the head of state could possibly return the bill for further review if he has objections.

Head of State the national leader stated on digital platforms that he would evaluate the decision according to constitutional requirements, "considering governmental and judicial factors, rather than ideological or political viewpoints".

Recently, another member of the ruling coalition, the Progressives, indicated it would not rule out appealing to the supreme judicial body.

"This decision represents a concerning situation for women's rights not only in our nation but throughout Europe," commented a human rights advocate.

• Domestic abuse statistics have been rising in several European countries
• The Istanbul Convention requires specific legal protections for victims of gender-based violence
• The nation's decision could influence similar discussions in additional member states