Turkey’s latest judicial reform package is set to introduce a new criminal offense targeting the “promotion or encouragement of homosexuality,” alongside stricter regulations on gender transition procedures.
The proposed changes mark the country’s first explicit legislative move against what officials describe as “homogenisation and degenderisation trends” in society.
LGBTQ+ ‘Promotion’ to Be Criminalised
The draft law criminalises “publicly encouraging, praising, or promoting behaviours that contradict one’s biological sex in a way deemed contrary to public morality.” Those found guilty could face prison sentences ranging from one to three years. However, further details on how the law will be enforced remain unclear.
Additionally, the recognition of same-sex unions will be further restricted. Symbolic engagement or marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples will be considered criminal offenses, with penalties ranging from 18 months to four years in prison. Turkey does not currently recognise same-sex marriage.
Officials have defended the measures as a way to counteract social media and digital content that allegedly promote homosexuality, according to reports from daily Hürriyet.
Tighter Restrictions on Gender Transition
The draft law also introduces new restrictions on gender reassignment procedures, raising the minimum age for transition from 18 to 21.
Under the proposed changes:
- Gender transition medical assessments must take place at designated training and research hospitals approved by the Health Ministry.
- The process will require four separate evaluations at three-month intervals.
- Medical reports must confirm the individual has permanently lost reproductive ability before a transition is approved.
Additionally, the law will make “illegal gender transition” a distinct criminal offense:
- Doctors performing unauthorised gender reassignment procedures could face three to seven years in prison and judicial fines ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 days.
- Individuals who undergo unauthorised gender transition procedures will also face one to three years in prison.
- If a minor undergoes an illegal procedure or if an unqualified individual performs the surgery, penalties will double.
Concerns Over Human Rights & LGBTQ+ Freedoms
The proposed law is expected to draw international criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organisations, who have previously condemned Turkey’s increasing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. The government’s framing of the legislation as a moral protection measure raises concerns about freedom of expression, medical autonomy, and LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
With the draft law still under discussion, activists fear it will deepen discrimination and further marginalise Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community.
