Former MP makes homophobic and transphobic remarks: “Deviants must be suppressed”

LGBTQI+ issues have once again been covered in Azerbaijani media through hate-filled stereotypes. Speaking to Pravda.az, former MP Tahir Karimli used deeply offensive language against LGBTQI+s, calling them “filth” and even suggesting that they should be placed in hospitals for “treatment.”

Karimli openly endorsed violent repression of LGBTQI+ community:

“Deviants must be suppressed, there must be a serious struggle against them. If they are sick, then build a hospital and throw them all in there for treatment. In fact, I don’t even consider them sick — they are a sign of arrogance and filth.”

The former MP described LGBTQI+ visibility as a “negative influence” on society and insisted that their presence must be “strictly prevented.”

Such statements amount to hate speech against LGBTQI+s and violate both international and national principles prohibiting discrimination. Portraying LGBTQI+ identities as “filth,” “disease,” or “immorality” entrenches homophobic and transphobic stereotypes in society and fuels the legitimization of violence.

This is not the first time Karimli has made such statements. As an MP, he praised Georgia’s proposed “anti-LGBT law,” describing LGBTQI+ visibility as a “national security problem,” and calling for similar measures in Azerbaijan.

In 2022, Karimli referred to LGBTQI+s as “waste” (“otxod”), opposing the Istanbul Convention, and saying LGBTQI+s should be “persecuted and isolated.” The same year, together with other MPs, he made homophobic and anti-feminist statements in parliament, claiming LGBTQI+s “should not be employed” and “must be treated.”

It should be noted that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses back in 1990. Scientific consensus is clear: sexual orientation and gender identity are a natural and immutable part of human identity.

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