In a contentious decision, the Czech Senate narrowly rejected the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, widely known as the Istanbul Convention. The vote fell short of the required majority, with only 34 of the 71 senators present supporting the convention, marking the Czech Republic as one of the minority of signatory countries that have not ratified the international agreement.

The Senate’s rejection followed nearly seven hours of heated debate, revealing deep divisions between supporters and opponents of the Istanbul Convention within Czech society. Despite an afternoon appeal by President Petr Pavel and an emotional closing speech from Senate President Milos Vystrcil (ODS), the upper house remained unconvinced to back the convention.

The Chamber of Deputies, which was also expected to make a decision on the convention, is likely to forgo debate in light of the Senate’s rejection.

Voting records indicated that support for the convention came primarily from members of the Mayors and Independents (STAN) and SEN21, and Pirates Senate groups, along with some members of the ODS and TOP 09 groups. On the opposing side were mainly Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) senators, members of the ANO and SOCDEM clubs, and a faction of ODS and TOP 09 clubs, including all three unaffiliated senators.

European Affairs Minister Martin Dvorak (STAN) criticized the Senate’s decision, labeling it an “international disgrace.” Dvorak expressed disappointment that the convention had become a contentious issue, particularly for what he referred to as “traditional” Czech families.

The decision drew strong condemnation from women’s rights advocates. Hana Stelzerova, director of the Czech Women’s Lobby and spokesperson for Voice Against Violence, described the senators’ decision as a “very sad day for human rights in the Czech Republic.” She highlighted concerns about the state of gender equality in the country and emphasized the failure to protect victims of domestic violence adequately.

Opponents of the convention cited fears about its societal impact, alleging a departure from traditional gender concepts and concerns about the imposition of gender ideology. They also expressed apprehensions about the financial obligations imposed on the state by NGOs advocating for the convention’s implementation. Critics argued that adopting the convention had not led to a reduction in violence cases in countries that had ratified it. The decision is expected to fuel ongoing debates about gender-based violence, human rights, and societal values in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum