21/11/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
Turkey's main opposition party CHP, vows to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in new draft program.
Turkey’s main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has pledged to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in its newly unveiled draft party program, signaling a strengthened commitment to social inclusivity and civil liberties.
The draft manifesto, titled "Strong Citizen, Safe Future, Winning Turkey," was presented at a promotional meeting in Ankara. It outlines the party's vision across four main pillars: Democracy, Governance and Justice, Development, the Social State, and Foreign Policy and Security. The document is set to be submitted for a vote at the party’s upcoming 39th Ordinary Congress.
While the specific term "LGBTI+" does not appear in the text, the draft explicitly addresses the rights of these communities under the section titled "Combating Discrimination and Pluralism for Democracy."
"The foundation of our democracy vision is for everyone to feel like an equal and honorable citizen of the state," the draft states.
It outlines a commitment to building a social order where citizens are free from exclusion or oppression regardless of their "age, gender, identity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, worldview, or lifestyle."
Focus on public sector equality
The CHP’s proposal emphasizes the protection of diverse identities as a prerequisite for social peace. A key component of the draft is the assurance that citizens will not be compelled to hide their identities to participate in public life.
"Ensuring that different identities can be lived freely, and viewing linguistic and cultural diversity as a value and a right, is the guarantee of social peace and pluralism," the document reads.
The party also promised strict measures against discrimination within the state apparatus, vowing that "discrimination will not be permitted in public sector recruitment or promotion processes," and ensuring equal access to public services for all citizens.
Gender equality goals
In a separate section titled "Gender Equality," the draft draws upon the vision of the Turkish Republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, aiming for a society where women participate equally and freely in all areas of life.
This section reiterates the pledge to dismantle barriers based on identity:
"All forms of discrimination based on gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation will be eliminated; equal access to justice, health, education, employment, and public services will be ensured for everyone."
Tags: human rights
