Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists

Turkish authorities have detained 47 individuals in raids targeting gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists as part of a campaign called "My Family is Safe," which the government claims aims to protect family values. The operation, carried out in 12 provinces over the weekend, was directed at the LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL among other targets.

Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in Turkey, and the government has faced criticism for allegedly using this campaign to target the LGBTQ+ community. In Istanbul, 26 people were detained, and authorities seized drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol, and a firearm. The Ankara chief prosecutor's office reported detaining an additional 21 people in connection with Kaos GL.

The LGBTQ+ organization claimed that 50 activists were taken into custody, including over 10 detained after home raids. They also stated that authorities have blocked several websites and social media accounts associated with LGBTQ+ organizations. The group accused Turkish officials of accusing Kaos GL of posting "obscenities" online, which are accessible to children, and demanded the shutdown of Kaos GL X account and around 15 other LGBTQ+ organizations' accounts.

Despite same-sex relations not being illegal in Turkey, homophobia is widespread, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referring to LGBTQ individuals as "perverts" who contribute to the declining birth rate. As part of the "My Family is Safe" campaign, Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurleks says legal proceedings have been initiated against over 160 people, organizations, and companies nationwide.

However, the Turkish Human Rights Association argues that the government is using the campaign to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, describing it as state-led discrimination, a politics of fear, and a dismantling of civil society.