Public Discussion on Istnabul Convention Held

A public discussion on the draft law for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention is held in the building of Sofia University on 23^rd of January. The discussion is organized by the Parleiment’s Speaker Tsveta Karayancheva.

The interest in the public debate on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention is high, BNT reporter Milena Kirova said. The event is attended by representatives of the executive, non-governmental organizations, and various religious denominations.

Bulgaria’s justice minister Tsetska Tsacheva stressed that the Istanbul Convention was signed by Bulgaria in 2016 and from now on it can be ratified with a note, if part of the texts contradict the national legislation. She also talked about the fears in society as regards the translation of the English word "gender" and whether the students' programmes would change. Tsacheva also said that from now on the decision for the ratification is in the hands of the MPs and and the relevant committees.

National ombudsperson Maya Manolova spoke with specific figures, pointing out that one in four Bulgarian women was a victim of domestic violence, which makes a total of one million women. Manolova pointed out that this is indeed enough proof that the Bulgarian legislation is not working and the Istanbul Convention should be adopted.

The Metropolitan Bishop of Stara Zagora, Cyprian, was of a different opinion and his speech was met with applause. He spoke of moral decay and imposition of foreign values if the convention is ratified.