Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, stated on Saturday, October 7, that he does not recognize sexual and gender minorities in the country. According to Reuters, during his speech at the Justice and Development Party congress, Erdogan promised his supporters that he would fight against 'deviant' elements that, according to him, aim to destroy the family institution in Turkey. The Islamist government of Turkey, led by Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party, has hardened its stance on the freedoms of sexual and gender minorities in recent months. During this period, especially during the campaigning for the recent Turkish elections in May, the party's attacks on sexual and gender minorities intensified. Homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, but hostility towards it is widespread. Evidence shows that the police's treatment of participants in pride parades for sexual and gender minorities has become harsher over the years. Erdogan, who refers to most members of sexual and gender minorities as 'deviants,' stated in his speech that neither his party nor their nationalist allies recognize sexual and gender minorities. He further added, 'Anyone who recognizes sexual and gender minorities can go and march with them. We are structural members who firmly uphold the family institution and strongly welcome the family institution.' Addressing tens of thousands of supporters chanting in his favor, he said, 'We will dry up the roots of malicious acts aimed at destroying our family institutions with the support of deviant political, social, and individual trends.' Despite international criticism, Erdogan has repeatedly spoken against sexual and gender minorities. He even criticized the bright colors used for decoration at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, claiming they symbolize sexual and gender minorities. UN officials rejected this claim, stating that these colors were used to promote sustainable development goals. The 'Six Colors' network: sexual and gender minorities have become victims of the Islamic Republic's 'crimes' against humanity. The commitment of the 2024 Paris Olympics to support the rights of sexual and gender minorities. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia; 'Always Together, United in Diversity.'
Erdogan Tells Supporters He Does Not Recognize Sexual and Gender Minorities
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly declared that he does not recognize sexual and gender minorities, promising to combat what he calls 'deviant' elements threatening the family institution. This statement reflects the government's increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, particularly in the context of recent elections. The situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing repression of minority rights in Turkey and its implications for broader human rights issues in the region.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Erdogan publicly declared that he does not recognize sexual and gender minorities, vowing to combat what he calls 'deviant' elements that threaten the family institution in Turkey. This statement reflects a growing hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
- Erdogan's remarks were made during a party congress on October 7, 2023.
- The Turkish government has intensified its opposition to sexual and gender minorities, particularly during election campaigning.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey has a complex relationship with LGBTQ+ rights; while homosexuality is not criminalized, societal attitudes are often hostile, and government policies have increasingly marginalized sexual and gender minorities.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%