Ministry of Labor responds to the question of discrimination against LGBTI+s without saying LGBTI+

10/02/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL

The Ministry of Labor responded to Kaos GL's question about discrimination against LGBTI+ persons and reminded the “principle of equal treatment” without saying LGBTI+.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security responded to Kaos GL Association's request for information. In the responses received from two different departments of the Ministry, it was noticed that the general principles of equality were reminded, but there was no response to the questions about discrimination against LGBTI+ persons.

In the response of the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection, the principle of equal treatment in the Labor Law No. 4857 was reminded and it was stated that inspection activities were carried out and administrative sanctions were proposed for the employer or employer representative who was found to act contrary to the principle of equal treatment.

In its response, the Department of Active Labor Force Services reminded the vocational training courses and on-the-job training programs:

“Vocational training courses and on-the-job training programs offered by the Turkish Employment Agency are designed to increase participation in the labor market and are designed in a way that all individuals can benefit on equal terms. In this context, there is no special regulation for a specific group, but all job seekers can benefit from the most appropriate vocational training and employment services by registering with the Institution.”

What did Kaos GL ask?

The questions the association submitted to the ministry in its application were as follows:

1. Are there any programs, policies or projects carried out by your Ministry to increase the participation of LGBTI+ persons in the labor market and combat discrimination?

2. What is the number of complaints made to your Ministry (e.g. via Alo 170) alleging discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in the workplace? Can you provide information on the results of these complaints?

3. Is there any data on the rate of LGBTI+ employees' utilization of unemployment insurance? Has a special arrangement been made to facilitate access to insurance for people from this group?

4. Is there any special arrangement or communication work being done to encourage LGBTI+ workforce to benefit from vocational training and reskilling programs offered by your Ministry to make it easier for them to find a job?

Tags: human rights