By decree published on Saturday, March 20, President Erdoğan of Turkey announced Turkey's withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). As reported by JURIST, Turkey was the first signatory to the Convention when it was opened for signature in 2011. As reported by JURIST, members of the AK Parti previously noted their concern that the Convention "encourages divorces and undermines family structures" and encourages homosexuality through its provisions on non-discrimination based on sexuality and gender. The decree has attracted much criticism, including from the Council of Europe, and in the form of a protest in Turkey on Saturday. Poland also intends to withdraw from the Convention.