The government will submit the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence to parliament for ratification, said Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva after today’s cabinet sitting.

The convention will set higher standards for the protection of women against domestic violence, which, in some societies, is regarded as normal, Ekaterina Zaharieva said.

The document, better known as the Istanbul Convention, was sharply criticized by GERB’s coalition partner, the United Patriots, over suspicions that by signing it, Bulgaria will legalize same-sex marriage and the constitution will be amended. Zaharieva was categorical this was not on the agenda.