Turkey’s Divided Stance: Anti-LGBTI+ Rally Falls Flat Despite Government Backing
Anti-LGBTI+ Hate Rally Held in Istanbul
On September 15, the third anti-LGBTI+ “Big Family Meeting” rally, organized by the Islamic and nationalist Big Family Platform, was held in Saraçhane Park in the Fatih district of Istanbul.
Following the rally, a “silent” march was held with a few dozen participants to Beyazıt Square.
The Fatih District municipality of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) distributed soup throughout the hate meeting.
The state-television TRT and the state-run Anadolu Agency broadcast the entire rally live. The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has previously authorized the broadcast of a “public service announcement” promoting anti-LGBTI+ hatred.
Big Family Stage, “Dursun Bu Hayasızca Akın!” organizes a “Big Family Meeting” in Saraçhane Park in Fatih with the participation of 400 NGOs with the slogan.
— AA Live (@AACanli) September 15, 2024
Üsküdar University Rector Nevzat Tarhan, known for his advocacy of deadly conversion therapy, also made a speech at the rally and claimed that “LGBT are taking over (the country) like a gang.”
Participants in the hate rally were seen carrying identical placards with uniform messages, many borrowed from foreign far-right groups and Evangelical organizations but reframed within an Islamic narrative.
The people in the square carried flags and Turkish banners of the same size reading “Stop this outrageous attack,” “Protecting the family is a matter of national security,” “Stop socio-cultural horror,” “We want constitutional protection for our family,” “Don’t let those who declare war on the family,” “Don’t turn your head when the family is the target,” “Raise your voice for children.”
Not only Islamists but nationalists also attended the hate rally. Tülin Oygür, Chair of the Republican Women’s Association said in her speech that they want a law to be introduced to ban LGBTI+ associations and “LGBTI propaganda.”
The participants also showed their support for constitutional change, which has long been advocated by the AKP and its far-right partner the National Movement Party (MHP).
LGBTI+ against hate
The Society for Social Policy Studies, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation (SPoD) distributed lokma (traditional sweets) in front of the Fatih Mosque for Ahmet Yıldız, who was killed by his father because he was gay.
Ahmet Yıldız was shot and killed by his father, Yahya Yıldız, on July 15, 2008. As his family did not claim his body, he was buried in a common grave for unknown and unclaimed bodies in accordance with Turkish law.
Despite 40 court hearings, Ahmet Yıldız’s father has not been brought to justice as he remains a fugitive.
LGBTI+ Families and Friends in Turkey (LİSTAG), and three other family organizations from İzmir, Ankara, and Antalya on September 13 released a statement against the hate rally.
“We are families who love their children unconditionally and who always stand by them, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The so-called ‘Great Family Gathering’, organized as an anti-LGBTQ+ march, is an act that promotes discrimination and hate speech in society. This march is not only an attack on LGBTQ+ individuals but also an attempt to spread hatred and discrimination towards their families,” they said.
GIVING A VOICE TO LOVE, NOT HATE!
The Big Family Meeting to be held on Sunday, September 15 is an attack on our children’s right to exist as equal citizens. We are here for a family structure that unites society, not divides it.
The link to the full joint statement is below ⏬ pic.twitter.com/mH5h93xBPS
— LİSTAG (@listagdernegi) September 13, 2024