Turkey detains more than 100 Pride parade activists

More than 100 people have been detained during an LGBTQ+ pride pare in Türkiye’s largest city, said Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, on June 25. Activists took to streets despite an official ban, as per a Reuters report. Taking to Twitter, Gul wrote, " Our national future depends on keeping family institution alive with our national and moral values. We will not allow any activity that will weaken family institution. 113 people who took action with aim of making propaganda were detained. Please do not share ir actions, even to criticize m." 

Turkey's LGBTQ+ community pare stopped 

After pare started, Turkish police authorities cordoned off some of streets which were leing to Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul’s historic district and to Taksim Square. According to local news reports, services along several lines of Istanbul Metro were suspended for several hours. actions taken by Turkish government on LGBTQ+ community have been condemned by organisers of event. 

“We reject this politics of hatred and denial. Despite all prohibitions, criminalizations, pressures, and attempts to suppress us, we will continue to vocate for a humane life for everyone and persist in democratic living,” said  Istanbul Pride Pare Committee in a statement. 

Why Turkish authorities are suppressing community

suppression of LGBTQ+ community comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan championed social conservatism and described his main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu as “an LGBT person”. In his victory speech, Erdogan criticised those who have sought to “normalize homosexuality" and said, " Gays are not welcome".  It is to be noted that Turkish President has recently been re-elected, after run-off in May.  

Erdogan's ideology on homosexuality

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labelled opposition as LGBT. He has stood firm that liberal Western ideology will never infiltrate his ruling party or its nationalist allies. Erdogan has been portraying himself as a defender of tritional Islamic values. At time of Presidential elections, Erdogan said, "Kilicdaroglu and his allies of being pro-LGBT, and voiced similar charges in his victory speech in front of a jubilant crowd in Istanbul." Furr, he asked supporters, " But can LGBT infiltrate AK Party? Can it infiltrate MHP? Can it infiltrate or members of People's Alliance?”

“Every election is a rebirth for us. Family is sacred to us. No one can speak out against family. Violence against women is forbidden, it is haram,” said Edogan which clarifies his views on homosexuality.  

Visuals from Turkey during pride month: