‘Faggot referee, we love you!’

Dinçdağ has used his right to not to be conscripted to military service. Turkish Military code regards homosexuality as an illness and keeps gay men out of the military if they “prove” their sexuality. According to the by-laws of the Turkish Football Federation, however, “individuals who were exempt from military service by health reasons may not work as a referee”.

Turkish Military still continues to treat homosexuality as an illness. Therefore, it “awards” homosexuals with the certificate of disability for discharge, which is popularly called the “pink certificate”. Many gay men have reported that they have heard derogatory remarks and have experienced humiliation. If they choose to hide their sexuality and do the military service, gay men are under high risk of sexual harassment, physical violence and isolation.

We have our 6th hearing done. Our file has been sent to the legal expert. Our 7^th hearing will be done on 19 February. At the moment, the legal expert report is being waited. The Head of Trabzon Referee Association was declined as an expert due to the disputes between the Association and the Turkish Football Federation. I petitioned to the Human Rights Committee of Governorship of İstanbul. The Committee listened to my testimony. The Committee will be listening three persons of the Federation and prepare a report.

I have taken the support of the football fans both from Turkey and many places of the Europe. I thank all of them. I thank everyone who spends their labor on this organization. This case is not only my case anymore, but also the case of anyone who experiences discrimination.

On 10-16 December, Kaos GL will organize solidarity matches with the motto of “If you don’t let him to referee, we will organize matches which he would referee. Halil İbrahim is our referee!” You can mail to kkm@kaosgl.org to take information on the Solidarity Matches.

Translation: Engin Bayram