11/10/2024 | Writer: Defne Güzel
In September, the media reported numerous incidents of hate murders, attacks, threats, and violations of labor rights targeting LGBTI+ individuals. Adding to this wave of hostility, another anti-LGBTI+ march, commonly referred to as a “hate rally,” was organized in public spaces, further escalating tensions.
Photograph: Serra Akcan / csgorselarsiv.org
Violation of rights
While the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (TİHEK - HREIT) remained silent on the ongoing discrimination against LGBTI+ persons in prisons, a hate murder occurred in Diyarbakır. At the same time, Turkey amplified its anti-LGBTI+ stance in its international policies. Additionally, the Big Family Platform organized yet another hate rally.
TIHEK did not consider inadequate conditions in prison as ill-treatment: H.A. had applied to TIHEK claiming that the conditions violated the prohibition of ill-treatment. TIHEK’s assessment concluded that there had been no violation of the prohibition of ill-treatment.
RTÜK broadcast hate rally as a public announcement: The hate march organized by the LGBTI+-hostile Big Family Platform, is set to take place again this year. Although the vote on the matter resulted in a tie—four votes in favor and four against—no decision was made to air the spot at the time. Despite this, the promotional material was still published on Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)’s official website as a public announcement.
A hate rally was held in İstanbul’s Saraçhane district: Similar to previous years, an anti-LGBTI+ rally was organized in Saraçhane, Istanbul this year, which drew reactions. Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD) distributed donuts at the venue of the rally for Ahmet Yıldız, who was murdered by his father.
Fatih Ürek attacked: According to reports in the press, artist Fatih Ürek was physically assaulted, prompting police intervention in the incident.
Trans male worker dismissed: On 5 September, the Trans Pride Week Committee announced that a trans man who had been working at the McDonald’s branch on İstiklâl Avenue for two weeks without insurance was dismissed without any explanation, being told “you are not suitable.”
Hate murder in Diyarbakır: Two men have been arrested following the attack on two trans women in Diyarbakır’s Kayapınar district on 15 September. Diyarbakır Bar Association LGBTI+ Rights Commission stated that they would follow the case.
Transphobic attack in Diyarbakır: Keskesor Amed announced that a trans woman was attacked in the house where she lives on Friday evening, 27 September.
Threat to student clubs at Boğaziçi University: Student clubs displaying rainbow flags at their booths during Boğaziçi University’s orientation days were threatened by the police.
Graffiti claiming “LGBT is a crime’” in Eskişehir: “LGBT is a crime” graffiti on electricity transformers in Eskişehir this time appeared on a school building. While the inscription drew the reaction of the parents, Osmangazi Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş. (OEDAŞ) announced that it would file a criminal complaint for the hate speech written on equipment belonging to our company’s inventory.
Teachers who are members of Education and Science Laborers Union (Eğitim-Sen) in Datça investigated: Amid ongoing reactions to the unjust investigations and relocations of teachers in Datça, the chairman of ÖNDER Muğla claimed in a statement that one of the teachers was exiled for “teaching a book that praises LGBT.”
Anadolu University asked the Court whether students detained during the Pride March could continue their education: While the freedom of expression of students sued for participating in the Pride March outside the university had already been violated, Anadolu University further legitimized this infringement by inquiring with the court about the future of the students’ education.
Türkiye became a member of UN Group of the Friends of the Family: The group, established with the aim of “protecting and promoting the family in UN policies,” is known to receive support from civil society organizations that are anti-abortion and anti-LGBTI+.
Family Workshop from MHP: The final report from the anti-LGBTI+ two-day “Family Institution Workshop,” held under the direction of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on 14-15 September, was released unveiling proposals for anti-LGBTI+ constitutional amendments.
Fatih Municipality supported the anti-LGBTI+ rally: Following the rally targeting LGBTI+ individuals in Fatih, the municipality provided soup through its mobile kiosk as a form of support.
Targeting
Encouragement for so-called conversion therapies continued to surface in the media. As the partisan press targeted the needs of LGBTI+ people, no official statements were made addressing the ongoing violations against LGBTI+ persons.
The President spoke about game platforms: During the 2024-2025 Academic Year Opening Ceremony and Education Technologies R&D and Quality Summit, President Erdoğan made a statement about game platforms. He said, "Game platforms not only encourage violence, but also serve as mediums promoting deviant movements that undermine our family structure.”
The President spoke at the opening ceremony for the Mawlid al-Nabi Week: The President, during his speech, stated that “LGBT individuals are being promoted more than ever before.”
The President spoke at the General Assembly of the United Nations: At the UN General Assembly, President Erdoğan said, “The issue of desexualization is no longer an orientation but a global imposition, a war against the sacred and human nature.”
Targeting by Nevzat Tarhan: Psychiatrist Nevzat Tarhan, appearing on 24 TV’s “Arafta Sorular – Questions in Purgatoy” program, claimed, “The global network supporting those committing genocide in Gaza is the same as the one backing LGBT individuals.”
Milat newspaper writer endorses so-called conversion therapies: Milat newspaper columnist Recep Yazgan advocated for establishing “homosexuality treatment centers,” which the United Nations defines as a form of torture.
Partisan press targets hormone medications: Hormone drugs, essential for transgender individuals, have come under attack from the partisan media.
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Targeted: The municipality was criticized by partisan media for organizing an event that raised awareness about gender equality.
Çankaya Municipality is pointed out as a target: Akit newspaper targeted the Çankaya Girls’ visit to Çankaya Municipality in its report.
Erbakan targeted LGBTI+ community: Speaking at his party’s Provincial Divan Meeting, Chairman Fatih Erbakan called for early elections, stating, “LGBT propaganda has gone too far.”
Statements from the Big Family Platform: Ahead of their organized hate rally, the Big Family Platform claimed that “LGBTI+ lobbies disregard women’s rights.” The platform’s secretary general, appearing on 24 TV’s “Questions in Purgatory,” stated, “There are 24 countries where LGBT propaganda is banned. Why shouldn’t Turkey be the 25th?” On X, the platform targeted LGBTI+ non-governmental organizations, threatening to “air their dirty laundry in public”.
LGBTI+ Civil Society Organizations were targeted: During a press conference, Vatan Party Deputy Chairman Serdar Üsküplü called for the shutdown of civil society organizations advocating for LGBTI+ rights, directly targeting these associations.
Courses of the cases
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has formally requested an explanation from Turkey regarding the bans imposed on LGBTI+ marches and events in the country. Meanwhile, new lawsuits have been filed against LGBTI+ individuals who participated in these marches, further intensifying legal pressure on the community.
Prosecutor revised final opinion in Boğaziçi University exhibition case: “In the lawsuit against seven students over an image featuring “the Kaaba alongside a Şahmeran figure” and an LGBTI+ flag, the prosecutor proposed that the students be penalized for “degrading religious values.” The trial took place on the 27th of September and was adjourned until the 21st of February.
Postponement in the BEKSAV trial: The fourth hearing of the case where members of Science Education Esthetic Culture Art Researches Foundation (BEKSAV) were put on trial for wanting to watch the film “Pride”, was held on 24 September. In the case where both the judge and prosecutor were replaced, the final opinion was not presented as expected. As a result, the hearing has been postponed to 19 November.
Dismissed worker in Izmir reinstated: D.A.U., who had been dismissed from the Izmir Provincial Directorate of Health for allegedly “not being on duty for 10 days without any excuse,” has been reinstated following a court decision that canceled the dismissal order.
Third hearing in Bülent Kılıç case: The third hearing of the lawsuit filed against AFP reporter Bülent Kılıç, who was detained under torture during the 19th Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride March, was held. Journalist Hacı Bişkin was heard as a witness. The next hearing is scheduled for 16 January.
Lawsuit filed against Eskişehir Pride March detainees: A lawsuit has been filed against 10 people who were detained through police violence during the Eskişehir Pride March on 9 June. The charges claim they violated the Law no 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations.
ECtHR asks Turkey about bans on LGBTI+ marches and events: The European Court of Human Rights has combined Kaos GL’s applications concerning the 2016 March Against Homophobia and the 2017 indefinite bans on LGBTI+ events in Ankara. The Court has inquired whether these actions constitute violations of discrimination and freedom of assembly. The Turkish government has been given a deadline of 1 October to provide their response.
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights, women, media, life, education