Croatians protest against European treaty they say threatens traditional family

People walk during the protest against the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in Zagreb, Croatia, March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

ZAGREB (Reuters) - Thousands of Croat conservatives protested on Saturday against the proposed ratification of a European treaty that describes gender as a "social role," fearing it could undermine traditional family values in the predominantly Catholic country.

The protesters marched down the main streets of the capital Zagreb, carrying a huge banner reading "Stop the Istanbul (Convention) for Sovereign Croatia," waving national flags and singing patriotic songs.