Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Latvia Parliament Votes to Withdraw from Istanbul Convention
Latvia's parliament has voted to leave a treaty aimed at stopping violence against women, called the Istanbul Convention.
Some politicians in Latvia believe the treaty talks too much about 'gender' in ways they disagree with and that their own country's laws are good enough.
Even though the President doesn't fully agree, he might let the parliament's decision stand.
Latvia had agreed to this treaty just last year, and now they might be the first country in the European Union to leave it.
Women's rights groups are unhappy and have protested, saying the treaty has already helped save lives.
Latvia's parliament voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at preventing violence against women.
The vote was 56 in favor of withdrawal, 32 against, and two abstentions.
Right-wing opposition parties supported the withdrawal, while the governing coalition was split, with the Union of Greens and Farmers voting to leave.
Opponents argue the convention promotes "gender" theories and that Latvia's existing laws are adequate.
Latvia ratified the treaty in 2024 and, if the withdrawal is finalized, would be the first EU country to leave it.
- Who
- Latvia's parliament, with right-wing opposition parties and the Union of Greens and Farmers coalition party voting to withdraw.
- What
- Voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty on preventing violence against women and domestic abuse.
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Latvia
- Why
- Some lawmakers believe the treaty promotes 'gender' theories and that national laws are sufficient to combat violence against women.
Supporters of the Istanbul Convention
Opponents of the Istanbul Convention
Purpose and Interpretation of the Convention
Supporters of the Istanbul Convention
The Istanbul Convention is a vital treaty that defines violence against women as a violation of human rights and addresses various forms of gender-based violence. The Council of Europe asserts it does not establish new norms on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Opponents of the Istanbul Convention
Opponents, including right-wing parties, argue that the convention promotes "gender" theories that go against their views and that Latvia's existing national laws are sufficient to address violence against women.
Impact of Withdrawal
Supporters of the Istanbul Convention
Women's rights groups argue that ratifying and adhering to the convention has produced significant results, including lives saved.
Opponents of the Istanbul Convention
Right-wing proponents of withdrawal maintain that leaving the convention will not weaken the fight against violence against women domestically.
- Date of Vote
- Thursday
- Vote Count
- 56-32, with two abstentions
- Convention Name
- Istanbul Convention
- Latvia Ratification Year
- 2024
- Council of Europe Statement on Convention
- Convention does not establish new norms on gender identity or sexual orientation
