Latvia’s parliament votes to withdraw from treaty protecting women from violence

Latvia‘s parliament voted on Thursday to withdraw the Baltic country from a treaty on preventing violence against women, saying that it promotes “gender” theories.

The vote would make Latvia the first European Union country to quit the Istanbul Convention, which the very same parliament had ratified in November 2024.

Thursday’s tally was 56 to 32, with two abstentions.

The motion must now be signed by President Edgars Rinkevics, who has indicated he is not in favour but has also hinted that he might not override a parliamentary decision.

The Council of Europe convention requires signatory parties to develop laws and policies aimed at ending violence against women and domestic physical abuse.

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Right-wing opposition parties voted to quit the treaty, while the governing coalition led by centre-right Prime Minister Evika Silina was split, with representatives of the Union of Greens and Farmers voting to leave the treaty and the other parties voting to stay.

The Council of Europe has repeatedly rejected allegations that the treaty imposes gender theories, notably stating in 2022 that “the Istanbul Convention does not establish any new norms on gender identity or sexual orientation”. 

The Latvian right wing maintains that withdrawing from the convention will not weaken the fight against violence against women because national laws are sufficient.

Women’s rights groups have organised several demonstrations in Riga in recent weeks. 

“The ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Latvia has produced significant results, which are not just words on paper, but represent lives saved,” argued the MARTA Center, which advocates for the rights of women and migrants.

Latvia’s right wing is also behind a recent proposed amendment that would restrict abortion access in the country.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)