27/02/2010 | Writer: KAOS GL
February 23, 2010 - Hurriyet Daily News - The Council of Europe has amended an article of its declaration on children’s rights after Turkey objected to a specific article alluding to gay marriage.
European ministers for family affairs gathered in June to discuss regulations about the rights of children who grow up with diverse family situations.
While Turkey said it supported public policies on the issue, it issued a statement, saying: "As a country, we would like to mention that we do not accept gay marriages and also we do not accept the institution of homosexual family parenting."
Selma Aliye Kavaf, the minister responsible for family and women, participated in the conference, while Aysen Gürcan, a director from the ministry, signed the statement of objection.
The council considered Turkey's objection and amended the relevant article. Originally, the article stated, "Currently, the family [is a concept] composed of different lifestyles and children in Europe grow up in family forms that can change during the life of children."
Following the amendment, however, the article has the added phrase: "These family forms change from one country to another." At the same time, a phrase reading, "The relevant articles will be evaluated under the framework of national regulations," was added to relevant subsequent articles.
Turkey considers traditional family values to be important, Kavaf said in a statement. "We do not have gay marriages in our laws. Although it is an advisory jurisdiction, we informed the Council of Europe about our sensitivity on the different forms of families. The council took this into consideration and made the necessary change."
Original Link of this News Article: Turkey objects to gay marriage allusion in council document
Tags: human rights, family
