Türkiye puts 11 leaders of LGBTQI+ rights group on trial for "immorality"

Although homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye, the LGBTQI+ community is often targeted by authorities, who blame the community for the country's declining birth rate.

Eleven leaders of a Turkish LGBTQI+ rights group went on trial on Wednesday on charges of "immorality" and "violating family protection," their lawyer told AFP.

The leaders of the Genç LGBTQI+ association are accused of violating the Turkish constitution's article on the protection of family values and of committing "immorality" by posting pictures of same-sex couples kissing on social media.

If found guilty, they could face up to three years in prison and restrictions on their civil rights by an Izmir court.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye, but the LGBTQI+ community is frequently targeted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AKP party.

"This trial stems from a policy of excluding LGBT+ people from public life," said Kerem Dikmen, a lawyer for the association.

Dikmen, who is himself on trial as a member of the group's supervisory board, added: "This is an attack on freedom of expression and freedom of association."

"It's not about immorality. Completely legal, legitimate and constitutional activities are being turned into crimes. This is a form of dehumanization," he stressed.

LGBTQI+ rights activists have also challenged another court decision to dissolve their association in December last year, based on similar charges.

Dikmen said: "We will not stop defending human rights. But they are trying to send a message to society through us."

The next hearing in the case is reportedly set for October 14.

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