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The Armenian parliament ratified on Monday the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The draft bill introduced by the cabinet was approved by 79 in favor and 12 against votes.

The legislation earlier stirred controversy among several lawmakers who argued itedcontains provisions endangering the vital interests of children and their rights.

“Right now, in front of the parliament building a demonstration is underway, protesting against the ratification of the document. I have also received concerns  from numerous representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church who oppose the Convention. I stand by our position that the Convention does promote child rights protection and interests in Armenia,” Gevorg Petrosyan, MP from “Prosperous Armenia” party stated during the debates.

The head of ruling “My Step” fraction Lilit Makunts, in turn, noted that the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs earlier endorsed the legislation which is aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

To note, the Convention was signed by 47 states and entered into force for 45 states.