Turkish authorities took action against numerous 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and individuals in the early hours of Sunday, detaining many members, entering association offices forcibly, and conducting searches at popular meeting spots. This crackdown, which intensified the long-standing animosity towards 2SLGBTQ+ groups, particularly in the lead-up to elections, involved simultaneous police operations commencing at 1 a.m. in key cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin, and Mersin.
Justice Minister Akin Gürlek stated on social media that the crackdown targeted 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses as a measure to “safeguard children, uphold the family institution, and maintain public order,” aligning with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 10-year directive concerning families and children. Gürlek emphasized the state’s constitutional duty to protect families and children, stressing zero tolerance towards criminal organizations, exploitation networks, or illicit activities that endanger children, youth, or families.
The raids specifically aimed at individuals associated with various prominent 2SLGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness groups, both current and former members. Additionally, the websites of these organizations were blocked. Gürlek mentioned that these associations were discovered to receive substantial financial support from international entities and organizations.
The Human Rights Association strongly criticized the crackdown, labeling it as a political maneuver rather than a lawful inquiry, designed to impose a uniform family model on society and eradicate LGBTI+ and independent civil society under the pretext of protecting families and children. The crackdown also included charges such as ‘forming a criminal organization,’ ‘drug-related offenses,’ ‘prostitution,’ and ‘obscenity,’ which were viewed as attempts to stigmatize the entire community rather than seeking the truth.
The religious conservative Justice and Development Party, under Erdogan’s leadership, has increasingly voiced its opposition towards 2SLGBTQ+ groups to appeal to the more conservative factions of its support base. Istanbul Pride was banned by the party in 2015, despite having attracted tens of thousands of participants in previous years. Subsequently, authorities have forcefully dispersed any attempts to hold Pride-related events.
This summer, a 2SLGBTQ+ cruise ship, known for touring the Mediterranean and having made multiple stops in Turkey previously, was denied permission to dock in the country. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in the Ottoman Empire in 1858, social discrimination against the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains prevalent in modern Turkey.