Seimas Spokesperson: There is no reason to fear the Istanbul Convention



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“It is obvious that there is a need for discussion and clarification of those few concepts, so that a part of society still has doubts and fears, which I personally consider unfounded,” the Seimas spokesman told Žinių radio. ” On Wednesday.

However, he agrees on the need to discuss and clarify the meaning of the terms used in the document.

“However, it is obvious that there is a need for discussion, it is necessary to find out what is the social role and the so-called social gender,” said V. Čmilytė-Nielsen.

According to her, the fears about the Istanbul Convention are unfounded, because the examples from neighboring countries, in her opinion, show that the ratification of the convention did not have a negative effect on the education system or other areas of those countries.

“Regarding the negative impact on the education system or other important areas, I think it is worth remembering that we are one of the few countries that has not ratified this convention. If we look at our neighbors who have ratified other countries of the European Union, we will be sure that undesirable things have not happened, which often generate fears, ”said the president of Seimas.

V. Čmilytė-Nielsen hopes to include representatives of different positions in the discussion, but emphasizes that the discussion on this document should not be manipulated.

“I don’t think manipulation should continue,” he said.

The Seimas spokesperson considers public education on the Istanbul Convention issues and the participation of groups with different positions in the discussion as especially important. At the same time, he said he remained optimistic that at least some of the critics of this document might change their minds on the document before the autumn session of the Seimas, when the ratification of the Convention is scheduled.

“There will be no such question in the spring session, and maybe we can convince some opponents for the fall,” assured V. Čmilytė-Nielsen.

President Gitanas Nausėda also mentioned that the terms used in the Istanbul Convention raise questions. According to him, some provisions of the Convention may have certain consequences for the Lithuanian educational system and even freedom of expression.

“The Istanbul Convention is a serious document that addresses both violence against women and the introduction of the concept of gender.

This is a sufficient innovation in our political and other vocabulary. I really examine it very carefully, I appreciate its various moments. I see that some of the provisions are also linked to certain consequences for our education and even freedom of expression. Therefore, we must consider this document very carefully. Therefore, I welcome the decision to discuss and decide on ratification later, “G. Nausėda said at a press conference on Tuesday.

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