16/09/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
The IHD Ankara Branch LGBTI+ Rights Commission, along with GALADER, DEMOS, SODAP, and DEM Party MP Özgül Saki, issued statements expressing their opposition to the hate march.
Photograph: DEMOS
On September 15th, the third anti-LGBTI+ “Big Family Meeting” rally was held in Saraçhane Park in Istanbul’s Fatih district. Following the hate rally, organized by the Islamist and nationalist Big Family Platform, many rights based organizations expressed their reactions by making statements against hatred.
“We were, we are, we will be!”
The Human Rights Association (IHD) Ankara Branch LGBTI+ Rights Commission and the Ankara Rainbow Families Association (GALADER) held a press conference addressing the LGBTI+ hate march organized by the Big Family Platform in Istanbul’s Saraçhane on September 15. At the press conference, it was stressed that the event, held under the banner of the “Big Family Meeting”, was in fact a “hate demonstration.”
DEM Party Istanbul MPs Kezban Konukçu and Özgül Saki attended the meeting, where it was pointed out that the Big Family Platform has been organizing similar marches across Turkey, promoting hatred against LGBTI+ people and implying that the survival of the family institution depends on their absence. The platform also attempts to shift the blame for the country’s socio-economic crisis onto the LGBTI+ community.
It was emphasized that the platform’s ability to operate with such ease is supported by state backing, noting that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, which once promised to protect LGBTI+ rights in its 2015 election campaign, has since built its 2023 election propaganda on anti-LGBTI+ hate speech. The press statement highlighted that these actions violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as Turkey’s constitutional prohibition of discrimination.
Atilla Dirim, on behalf of the IHD and GALADER, called on authorities to uphold their legal obligations and urged the opposition to stop ignoring the hatred directed at the LGBTI+ community. The statement concluded with a rallying call to actively resist hatred: “We were, we are, we will be!”
“Peace is the symbol of hope, not fear”
Research Association for Democracy, Peace and Alternative Politics (DEMOS Research Association) issued a statement titled “Peace is the Symbol of Hope, Not Fear,” in response to the "Big Family Meeting" that targeted LGBTI+ individuals. DEMOS criticized the event, highlighting how institutions like the family have been manipulated to organize hate, with LGBTI+ people being criminalized under the guise of protecting the “sacred family.” This narrative, the statement argued, is being used to distract from Turkey's deepening poverty.
The statement emphasized that the hatred promoted to defend the family is not only directed at women and LGBTI+ individuals but is part of a broader attempt to reshape society through heightened securitization. DEMOS also drew attention to various unresolved issues, such as the culling of stray animals under the pretext of protecting children, the ongoing crisis of missing children, unresolved problems in the earthquake-affected region, and labor-related deaths.
In reflecting on the current challenges, DEMOS urged people to hold on to hope, not as a form of self-consolation, but as a political stance. “Our family is solidarity, our home is everywhere we struggle,” the statement read, stressing the importance of collective action, building bridges, and finding strength in social movements. “Our remedy is social peace. Because peace is the symbol of hope, not fear. As long as we continue to hope, #PeaceBeginsWithUs.”
“Focus on creating policies that protect women and children”
The Socialist Solidarity Platform (SODAP) has issued a strong response to the anti-LGBTI+ hate rally known as the “Big Family Meeting.” In a written statement, SODAP declared, “We reject the hate being spread by those who organized this rally, and we stand in solidarity with the LGBTI+ community and their struggle.”
Their statement further criticized the AKP-MHP government, stating: "This fascist regime, which oppresses women, children, and LGBTI+ individuals, is now targeting the LGBTI+ community under the guise of defending the so-called ‘sacred family.’ While those who commit violence against women, children, and queer individuals roam freely, LGBTI+ people are being vilified. You continue to inflict harm daily under pretext of protecting the ‘sacred family,’ making life unbearable for LGBTI+ people. Instead of organizing hate-filled rallies, focus on creating policies that protect women and children. Hear the voices of women’s organizations calling for real change.”
“Despite hate, long live life!”
Özgül Saki, the Istanbul MP from the DEM Party, attended a press conference held by the Human Rights Association (IHD) and GALADER alongside her fellow Istanbul MP, Kezban Konukçu. Following the event, Saki expressed her strong opposition to the anti-LGBTI+ hate rally known as the “Big Family Meeting” through a message shared on social media:
“We will not give up the fight against hate-fueled attacks on the LGBTI+ community and so-called ‘sacred family’ policies. Despite hate, long live life!”
Tags: human rights, women, media, life
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