04/06/2024 | Writer: Defne Güzel
In May, the Ministry of Family and Social Services took another step to cement its anti-LGBTI+ position, labeling LGBTI+ community as a “harmful movement”.
Ministry of Family and Social Services reinforces anti-LGBTI+ stance. In May, the Ministry of Family and Social Services took another step to cement its anti-LGBTI+ position, labeling LGBTI+ community as a “harmful movement”. This follows recent developments where both the 12th Development Plan and the Action Plan of the Presidency of Religious Affairs included anti-LGBTI+ measures.
Violation of rights
A book designed to discourage children from engaging in peer bullying has been deemed as obscene. Meanwhile, trans people and their homes were targeted in a shotgun attack on Bornova Street.
· Shotgun attack on Bornova Street: Two people attacked the houses of trans women with shotguns in Bornova Street and its neighbourhood where systematic attacks on trans women continue.
· Three books were deemed as obscene publications: One of the books that has been deemed as obscene by the Ministry of Family and Social Services inspires children who need the courage to reject peer pressure and go against the grain.
· Bunu Konuşalım defended conversion therapies on Lalegül TV: The program titled ‘Bunu Konuşalım’ (Let’s Talk about This) on Lalegül TV aired a segment on YouTube defending so-called conversion therapies.
· Concert Cancellations under pressure from Family Platforms: The Adana and Antep concerts of the band Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut (Hold the Full Glass Upside Down), who displayed the rainbow flag at a previous performance, were canceled due to pressure from Family Platforms. The platforms are also pushing for the cancellation of the band’s Izmir concert.
· Attack at May Day Demonstration: A person displaying a rainbow flag was attacked during a May Day demonstration in Denizli.
· Ministry of Family and Social Services’ Discriminatory Action Plan: The Ministry’s Action Plan refers to LGBTI+ community as ‘harmful movements’ and outlines a series of discriminatory targets against these so-called ‘harmful movements’.
Targeting
LGBTI+s and Eurovision were the targeted by politicians this month.
· Bahçeli and Erdoğan reacted to Eurovision: Devlet Bahçeli criticized the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, claiming it introduced a “third species” between men and women, and detailed the appearance of the winner, Nemo, during his speech. President Erdoğan also criticized the event, referring to the artists as “weird characters” and “Trojan horses of social degeneration.”
· President of Religious Affairs targeted LGBTI+s: During the Çelebi Program Graduation, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş referred to LGBTI+ people as “deviant movements.”
· Yeni Akit’s targets: Yeni Akit newspaper targeted Kaos GL’s 30th anniversary events twice and singled out Ebrar Karakurt again after she discussed the issues faced by national volleyball players.
· Erbakan targeted LGBTI+ community: Speaking in Sakarya, Erbakan stated that they aim to “conquer minds” and emphasized that one of their goals would be the defeat of “LGBT.”
Courses of the cases
The “determination of absence” case filed against the Tarlabaşı Community Support Association (TTM) was dismissed. The expert report was included in the file regarding the lawsuit brought against 42 people during the 2nd Ankara Pride March.
· TTM case: The court dismissed the lawsuit filed for “determination of absence” against Tarlabaşı Community Support Association. However, the lawsuit concerning the annulment of the association remains pending. The hearing for the dissolution of the association is scheduled for October 21st.
· 2nd Ankara Pride March case: The expert report was included in the file regarding the lawsuit brought against 42 people, who were detained under torture last year in July, during the 2nd Ankara Pride March. The expert report highlighted instances of police officers physically assaulting LGBTI+ people, including kicking and slapping.
· Derin S. case: The second hearing of the case regarding Derin S. was killed in her Ankara home with four stab wounds in her back in 2023 by Ali Tanyeri in Ankara, was held. The prosecutor urged the court to convict Ali Tanyeri for “intentional killing” and to uphold his detention. The next hearing is scheduled for July 2 at 10:30 am.
· D. D. case: The final hearing of the case concerning the assailant who attacked and severely injured D.D., a transgender woman sex worker in Ankara, leaving her in a life-threatening condition, was held. The court sentenced Halil G. to 6 years and 3 months for “attempted intentional killing.” Additionally, Halil G. received a 7-month and 15-day prison term and was fined 6,000 TL for breaching the “Law for Firearms, Knives, and Other Tools”.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights
