Norm under fire: support for and opposition to the European Union’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention in the European Parliament

The Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is contested across Europe by a strong anti-gender rhetoric, posing a direct threat to gender equality progress. Together with opposition to gender equality, attacks on the Convention have the effect of delegitimizing the norm that it embodies – namely, ending gender violence. Opposition is also visible in the European Parliament and shapes the discourse concerning possible ratification by the European Union (EU). Initially perceived by supporters in the European Parliament as a milestone for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality, the Convention soon became a norm “under fire” as the target of vehement anti-gender contestations. Using a unique set of interview data with key parliamentary actors and Members of the European Parliament, this article analyzes the discursive politics of contestation between norm promoters and norm “antipreneurs” regarding the EU’s ratification of the Convention. The analysis shows how ratification is constructed in oppositional terms, with the findings illuminating direct and indirect forms of opposition to gender equality.