Petition to denounce Istanbul Convention posted on President's website

On July 4, 2022, the petition "To denounce the Law on Ratification of the Istanbul Convention #0157 dated 18.06.2022, which introduces the ideology of gender to Ukraine, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine" appeared on the website of the President of Ukraine. The petition is available for signing.

"The law in the form as voted on does not meet Ukrainian national interests, traditional Ukrainian values and poses a threat to the national security of Ukraine and deepens social tension in the state," the text of the petition reads.

The main danger of the Istanbul Convention, according to the authors of the appeal, lies in the fact that it introduces gender ideology: Paragraph 3 of Article 4 of the Convention, in addition to the concept of "sex" (woman/male), introduces the concepts of "gender", "sexual orientation", "gender identity". This leads to the destruction of the institution of the family in Ukraine.

The petition also states that the Istanbul Convention grossly violates Ukrainian legislation – the Family Code, the Laws of Ukraine "On Education" and "On Childhood Protection" as it requires the mandatory introduction of teaching material on "non-stereotypical gender roles" and "sexual orientation" and provides for a child to change sex without parental consent (Article 14).

In terms of combating domestic violence, the petitioners note that national legislation fully protects victims from such violence.

As reported, the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations condemned the signing of the Istanbul Convention without public discussion, while the public union “Miriane” called for the continuation of the fight for family values.

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