24/07/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
MP Özgül Saki submits parliamentary question on CİMER’s discriminatory survey: “Abstract, discriminatory, and incompatible with the principle of impartial public service.”
DEM Party Istanbul MP Özgül Saki has brought the “Family Year Survey” published by the Presidential Communications Center (CİMER) to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
May lead to discriminatory outcomes
In a written parliamentary question addressed to Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Saki emphasized that the inclusion of phrases like “struggle against LGBT” and “global degenderization efforts” in the survey violates the constitutional principle of equality as well as international human rights conventions to which Turkey is a party.
Saki underlined that incorporating such expressions into a state-run survey directly targets LGBTI+ individuals and undermines the principle of impartiality in public services, further noting that the issue has sparked significant public backlash.
No options on women or children’s rights
MP Saki also pointed out another critical aspect of the survey: it fails to present any options related to pressing social issues such as violence against women, children’s rights, or social support services. She argued that this omission highlights how disconnected the survey is from real societal needs.
Questions submitted to Parliament
Saki submitted six questions in her parliamentary motion, requesting the following issues be clarified:
- Which ministry or institution prepared the “Family Year Survey” directed at citizens through the Presidential Communications Center (CİMER)? Which public bodies, experts, or advisory councils were consulted during its preparation?
- On what grounds was the phrase “struggle against LGBT” presented as a public policy option? How does the inclusion of such a phrase—potentially targeting a specific social group—align with the Constitution and Turkey’s international human rights obligations?
- What is meant by “global degenderization efforts”? Is this phrase being used as an official public policy term?
- Why does the survey not offer any public policy options addressing structural issues such as violence against women, early-age marriage, unpaid care work, or economic deprivation?
- Was any content or ethical review conducted for this survey? Were any opinions sought from independent bodies, universities, ethics committees, or public oversight institutions?
- What is the total budget allocated so far for the “Family Year 2025” activities? Which institutions and projects received funding, and based on what criteria?
Tags: human rights
