30/04/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
Turkey did not respond to the UN Special Rapporteurs’ specific questions regarding anti-LGBTI+ regulations, limiting its statement to an emphasis on the “will of Parliament.”
Photo: Özge Özgüner / csgorselarsiv.org
United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs submitted questions to Turkey regarding proposed anti-LGBTI+ legislation. In its response, Turkey largely focused on the functioning of the legislative process, avoided addressing concrete allegations of rights violations, and stated that “the authority lies with Parliament.”
The Rapporteurs requested information on consultations carried out during the drafting and adoption of the proposed laws. Their questions highlighted that amendments to the Turkish Civil Code and Turkish Penal Code, as well as proposals put forward by HÜDAPAR, could violate LGBTI+ rights. They also raised concerns about measures that would make gender affirming processes more difficult and restrict freedom of expression.
Additionally, the Rapporteurs asked how the current legal framework prevents discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and how it protects the right to privacy. They also sought clarification on how the proposed regulations align with principles of equality, non-discrimination, and freedoms of expression and assembly, as well as the justification and proportionality of potential bans and criminal sanctions.
General responses from Turkey to critical UN questions
In its reply, Turkey avoided directly answering the Rapporteurs’ specific questions. It noted that HÜDAPAR’s proposal belongs to a political party and does not yet constitute “official policy,” stating only that “the adoption of the proposal depends on the collective will of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.”
The response further claimed that the existing legal framework ensures equality for all citizens, pointing to various laws prohibiting discrimination and criminalizing hate acts. However, the government did not directly address questions concerning gender affirming processes, freedom of expression, or potential sanctions targeting LGBTI+ people.
While Turkey reiterated its commitment to equality and combating discrimination, it did not provide a detailed assessment of how the proposed measures would comply with human rights standards.
Justice Minister Gürlek had said anti-LGBTI+ regulations were “in the drafting stage”
Akın Gürlek, Turkey’s Minister of Justice, stated in February this year that their preparations on the 12th Judicial Package was ongoing. In response to a question about the anti-LGBTI+ provisions that had been included in the 11th Judicial Package but withdrawn following public backlash, Gürlek said:
“Deviant movements, the encouragement of degendering young people, websites set up on social media about this, our general approach to these matters is clear, as they undermine society’s general morality… Of course, we are working on these issues, but it is still in the drafting stage. However, they are in our plans.”
Tags: human rights, media, life, family, lgbti
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