06/05/2024 | Writer: Defne Güzel
In April, the LGBTI+ community faced a barrage of attacks from multiple fronts, with both law enforcement and civilians perpetrating violence against them. Adding to the distress, public institutions and political parties engaged in a concerning trend, vying to intensify efforts in what they dubbed as a “fight against LGBTI+ rights.”
Left: Police attack on Bayram Street Yeryüzü Sofrası / by Nazmi Dikbaş,
Right: Footage of the attack on trans women living on Bornova Street
Violation of rights
The police attacked Yeryüzü Sofrası (Open Table) on Bayram Street and civilians assaulted a trans woman on Bornova Street.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Mermer targeted LGBTI+’s: The psychiatrist, who had previously targeted LGBTI+s, claimed that “homosexuality is harmful to health.”
Colors of Resistance activist kidnapped: A member of the METU Colors of Resistance group was abducted by four individuals posing as police officers. The activist was forcefully taken, enduring hours of intimidation and violence."
Attack on trans women in Bornova Street: On April 10, 6 people were detained for attacking the houses of trans women living in Bornova Street and beating a trans woman.
Police attack on Open Table in Bayram Street: After the homes of transgender sex workers were sealed, law enforcement intervened at the Open Table event on Bayram Street. They imposed restrictions on entering and exiting the street and detained nine individuals.
The Minister of Treasury and Finance rejected the inclusion of LGBTI+ community: Despite being funded by the World Bank with the aim of providing skills to “vulnerable groups,” the minister contended that the project does not include LGBTI+ community.
Ministry of Culture removed its’ name and logo from the İstanbul Film Festival: The ministry claimed that they did not support the festival, asserting that their backing of eight films was based on their “alignment with traditional values.”
Presidency of Religious Affairs intends to allocate 2 million TL to conduct activities targeting LGBTI+ communities: In its recently unveiled 4-year strategic plan, the religious organization labels LGBTI+ individuals as proponents of “gender-based deviant ideologies posing a threat to the family.”
New Welfare Party introduced its’ “Moral Municipalism Protocol”: Party leader Erbakan convened with the mayors of municipalities secured by the Welfare Party, presenting a 25-point protocol. Among its provisions is a section titled “Enhanced Efforts Against the LGBT Project.”
Criminal complaint against social media phenomenon: A criminal complaint was lodged against the social media influencer, recognized for their videos and public displays in diverse attire, citing disruption of public peace. Yeni Akit newspaper spotlighted the incident under the guise of a “campaign against the LGBT community.”
Courses of the cases
The Boğaziçi Exhibition Case has been postponed once more, while Gaziantep Pride Week has decided to appeal the court rejections to the Constitutional Court.
Boğaziçi Exhibition case was postponed to September 27: The legal case against Boğaziçi University students, who faced discrimination through an anti-LGBTI+ campaign, has been rescheduled for September 27th.
Gaziantep Pride Week judicial decisions were taken to the Constitutional Court: The legal proceedings concerning the first Gaziantep Pride Week, which was canceled due to online threats and the risk of violence, have reached no definitive conclusion. The criminal complaint regarding these threats was dismissed, and an appeal to Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (TİHEK) regarding Davut Gül’s actions targeting the Pride Week was also denied. Gaziantep Pride Week has now appealed these court decisions to the Constitutional Court.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights
