Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists
Turkish police detained 47 people in weekend raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists across 12 provinces, as part of a government campaign called "My Family is Safe" that officials say aims to protect family values. Human rights groups have condemned the operation, accusing the authorities of using it as cover to target and suppress the LGBTQ+ community, at a time when same-sex relationships face growing legal and social pressure in Turkey despite not being criminalised.
Istanbul's chief prosecutor's office said 26 people were detained and officers seized drugs, digital equipment, smuggled alcohol and a firearm, while Ankara prosecutors reported a further 21 detentions linked to an investigation into LGBTQ+ association Kaos GL, which itself said 50 activists had been held. Kaos GL said authorities had blocked websites and social media accounts belonging to it and around 15 other LGBTQ+ organisations, citing accusations of "obscenity" accessible to children. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said legal proceedings had begun against more than 160 people and various organisations under the "Decade of the Family" campaign, but the Turkish Human Rights Association described the operation as "state-led discrimination" rather than family protection, noting President Erdogan has previously called LGBTQ people "perverts".
In short
- Turkish police detained 47 people in anti-LGBTQ+ raids across 12 provinces
- Kaos GL activist group targeted; websites and social media accounts blocked
- Rights groups say "family safety" campaign masks discrimination against LGBTQ+ people
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the operation may argue that police are enforcing laws against drugs, smuggled alcohol and firearms, and that restrictions on material deemed obscene to children protect minors and uphold family values. They may also say investigations should proceed on evidence, regardless of whether those investigated are LGBTQ+ activists or other groups.
The case against
Critics may argue that raids on gay bars and activists’ homes, alongside blocked LGBTQ+ organisation accounts and websites, suggest the campaign is being used to intimidate and suppress a minority rather than address specific offences. They may view the scale of the detentions and the broader political and legal pressure on LGBTQ+ people as threats to equal treatment, freedom of association and expression.
Explained simply
Turkey does not criminalise same-sex relationships, but LGBTQ+ people and organisations face legal and social pressure. Kaos GL is a Turkish LGBTQ+ rights association that campaigns for equal rights and provides information and support.
The government says its “My Family is Safe” campaign protects family values, and officials have used laws on obscenity and public order in actions involving LGBTQ+ groups. Human rights organisations say such measures can restrict their work and target people because of their identity.
The issue matters because it concerns how the state balances its stated family policies with the rights to organise, speak and live without discrimination. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously made hostile remarks about LGBTQ+ people, while rights groups argue that government actions have increased pressure on the community.
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