06/03/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
“We will not give up our rights, our love, our bodies, or our freedoms! We are all standing together against this hateful and discriminatory law! Hold the line—the fight begins now!”
Photo: Senay Martinova / csgorselarsiv.org
LGBTI+ associations issued a joint statement on the draft law targeting LGBTI+s, which KaosGL.org reached recently. The draft law envisages the addition of the expression ‘biological sex’ to the Penal Code and the punishment of visible LGBTI+ expressions in the public sphere. The draft law also complicates the legal procedures regarding the gender affirmation process.
The full statement is as follows:
“The recently leaked "omnibus bill" draft includes provisions that would further entrench discrimination and violence against LGBTI+ people, stripping them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. These provisions blatantly violate both Türkiye’s constitution and the international agreements it has signed. Our biggest hope is that this draft remains just that—a draft—and never reaches the parliament’s general assembly. Even the mere discussion of these provisions marks a severe setback for social peace, democracy, and human rights.
As LGBTI+ organizations, we stand united against this bill—for our lives, our rights, our democracy, and our social peace.”
To LGBTI+ people:
“We see your concerns, and we share your fears. As organizations that stand for equality, we will do everything in our power to ensure this draft is completely withdrawn and never resurfaces. We will defend our rights with all our strength, fight for the continuity of our organizations and safe spaces, and stand together in unwavering solidarity. We invite you to join us—raise your voice with ours!”
To human rights defenders and organizations:
“The omnibus bill draft does not target only LGBTI+ people — #TheyTargetUsAll!. We know this is not just about one law—it is part of a broader effort to normalize the government’s anti-democratic practices and a dark stain on history. The more isolated we are, the more vulnerable we become. We call on you to stand with LGBTI+ people, to raise your voice against this bill wherever you are, and to speak out louder than ever in defense of our rights.”
To political parties and members of parliament:
“The time for “but” is over. We do not want timid defenses or empty excuses. We will keep it simple: We call on you to stand unequivocally with LGBTI+ citizens. Do not be confined by the limits set by the government, do not contribute to the disinformation spread about LGBTI+ people, listen to society’s voice, and do not compromise on human rights. If this law passes, it will endanger not only us but the future of democracy itself.”
And to our families, friends, and allies:
“Maybe we have come out to you, maybe you have already "figured it out," or maybe you cannot imagine anyone close to you being LGBTI+. But we are right next to you. This law threatens the air we breathe, the schools we attend, and it targets the bread on our table. It is built on fabricated excuses and baseless fears, designed to disrupt our peace.
We call on everyone who is concerned about the darkness we are being dragged into—stand with us. We need your presence, your thoughts, your voice, and your support. #TheyTargetUsAll. That is why this fight belongs to all of us! We are the society itself, and those trying to divide us with discrimination are the real enemies of social peace.
We will not give up our rights, our love, our bodies, or our freedoms! We are all standing together against this hateful and discriminatory law! Hold the line—the fight begins now!”
Signatory associations
- 17 May Association
- 20 November Association for Combating Hate Crimes
- Ankara Rainbow Families Association (GALADER)
- Young LGBTI+ Association
- HEVI LGBTI+ Association
- Kaos GL Association
- Red Umbrella Association
- Lambdaistanbul LGBTI+ Solidarity Association
- LGBTI+ Families and Relatives Association (LISTAG)
- Mersin 7 Colours LGBTI+ Solidarity Association
- Muamma LGBTI+ Education Research and Solidarity Association
- Free Colours LGBTI+ Solidarity Association
- Pink Life LGBTI+ Solidarity Association
- Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD)
- UniKuir Association
Tags: human rights, family
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