It is a sign of further democratic backsliding in the country, the parliamentarians say
PACE has called on Türkiye to end, without delay, “repression, intimidation, harassment and violence against LGBTI persons and defenders” in the country.
Approving a resolution based on a report by Sam Rushworth (United Kingdom, SOC), the Assembly said the recent wave of repression in 15 Turkish regions – involving mass arrests, detentions, raids on homes and digital restrictions – was a “sign of further backsliding of democracy” in Türkiye.
“The Assembly is alarmed at the use of a narrative on the protection of the family, under an operation ‘My family is safe’ to attack LGBTI persons and those defending them,” it said. “Repression against LGBTI persons and human rights defenders is the opposite of family protection.”
The parliamentarians called on the Turkish authorities to immediately release anyone detained because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or working to protect them. They should drop any further charges, stop blocking websites or social media, and lift bans on Pride marches and other LGBTI events.
Attacks against the rights of LGBTI people are against Türkiye’s commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Assembly pointed out.