The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) is about preventing violence against women, introducing mechanisms for revealing cases of violence, mechanisms to combat them, as well as providing some support to law-enforcement officers in case of violence against women. This is what Minister of Justice of Armenia Rustam Badasyan said live on Facebook.

“The Convention doesn’t envisage legalization of same-sex marriage. It’s ridiculous to even talk about recognition of the right of homosexuals to adopt children,” he stated.

According to the minister, the Convention also doesn’t envisage the creation of a 'third sex' since the concept of “sex” and “gender” is clearly defined.

He noted that the Ministry of Justice is in dialogue with the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is concerned about the interpretation of certain terms. “We’re willing to continue the dialogue with the Church in order to dispel all concerns,” he said, adding that the Convention is not imposed on Armenia and that it is Armenia’s duty to ensure human rights protection for its citizens.

In her turn, Deputy Minister Kristine Grigoryan opposed those who say the signing of the Convention by Armenia doesn’t mean anything and said signing is already a commitment by the State.