Türkiye explores controversial bill with new penalties targeting LGBTQI+ expression and gender transition

The Turkish government is revisiting a contentious legal proposal that, if enacted, would introduce criminal penalties for promoting LGBTQI+ identities and tighten restrictions on gender-affirming medical procedures, according to reports from multiple Turkish and international news outlets.

The draft legislation, initially part of a broader judicial reform package but reportedly set to be reintroduced as a standalone bill by the Justice Ministry proposes substantial amendments to both the Turkish Penal Code and the Turkish Civil Code. Reuters and local media sources describe the initiative as part of efforts by the government to “protect the family institution” and “general public morality.” 

New criminal offenses for LGBTQI+ Advocacy

Under the draft law, individuals who “publicly encourage, praise or promote attitudes and behaviors contrary to biological sex and general morality” would face prison terms of one to three years. This provision could encompass a broad range of expression relating to sexual orientation or gender identity, human rights groups warn.

Critics, including international rights organizations, argue that such wording is vague and risks criminalizing simple expression of LGBTQI+ identity or advocacy. Human Rights Watch has described earlier versions of similar proposals as among the most significant rollbacks of rights in decades. 

Same-sex ceremonies and public life

Although same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Türkiye, the draft law goes further by proposing new felony penalties for symbolic same-sex engagement or wedding ceremonies. Individuals participating in such ceremonies could face up to 4 years in prison. 

Tighter controls on gender-affirming care

The bill would also overhaul legal gender recognition procedures and medical rules for gender-affirming surgery. Key changes reportedly include, raising the minimum age for gender-affirming surgery from 18 to 25, requiring individuals to apply to a court for authorization before surgery, mandating multiple psychiatric and medical assessments with official health board reports. 

Performing gender-affirming surgeries without required court permission could carry 3–7 years in prison plus fines, with penalties increasing if the procedure involves a minor or is conducted by an unlicensed practitioner. Individuals who undergo such unauthorized procedures could face up to 3 years’ imprisonment themselves.

National and international reactions

Domestic human rights groups have spearheaded criticism of the proposed law, arguing that it enables discrimination and undermines fundamental freedoms. The Human Rights Association (İHD) and LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations have denounced the draft as a tool for legitimizing exclusion and eroding civil liberties. 

International observers and rights watchdogs have similarly cautioned that amendments targeting “biological sex” and “public morality” could be used to suppress expression and association, including media coverage and civil society activism related to LGBTQ+ issues. 

Political context

The proposed measures emerge amid an ongoing cultural and political debate in Türkiye over gender and family policy. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared 2025 the “Year of the Family,” emphasising conservative social values as part of a broader policy agenda addressing demographic concerns. Critics say this approach has been accompanied by increasing restrictions on LGBTQI+ visibility and activism. 

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