Legal Situation Changes: Closed Meeting of 'My Step' Regarding Istanbul Convention Held with Minister

According to the newspaper 'Hraparak', the closed meeting of the 'My Step' parliamentary faction regarding the Istanbul Convention with Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan has altered the legal situation. Sources indicate that the ratification of the convention will not take place, and furthermore, it will not even be included in the parliamentary agenda.

During the meeting, ruling party MPs strongly opposed, stating that everything could be bargained, but not the sensitive matters related to 'the Armenian identity'. One ruling party MP said, 'Every day my constituents ask me what I will do about the gay rights law; what answer should I give? This could be our end.'

It is no secret that there are disagreements within the ruling pyramid regarding the ratification of the convention. According to some reports, about 40 ruling party deputies are opposed to the convention, and they do not hide it. During the minister's meeting, some openly stated that they would not participate in the voting and expressed hope that the ratification of the convention would be postponed for the time being.

Moreover, as per our ruling source, the issue of its constitutionality has also been discussed since certain provisions enshrined in the convention contradict the Constitution of Armenia. Specifically, this relates to the formalization of marriage. The fundamental law defines marriage as between two sexes, while the convention delicately formulates the inclusion of a third sex.