The Turkish government is moving to introduce sweeping new legal measures aimed at curbing what officials have termed the influence of "LGBT deviants". These proposed regulations, reported by outlets including the Daily Sabah, would criminalise the spreading of pro-LGBTQ+ content and further restrict transgender rights.
Under the plans, individuals found guilty of offences related to LGBTQ+ "propaganda" could face up to three years in prison. Authorities state the goal is to uphold what they describe as "family and moral values". The proposals also include a prison sentence of up to four years for anyone attending a same-sex wedding ceremony. While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, the nation offers no civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people and does not recognise same-sex marriage.
Significant changes to laws concerning transgender people are also under consideration. A new proposal seeks to raise the minimum age for gender-affirming surgeries from 18 to 25, with the added requirement of obtaining court approval. Medical professionals performing such surgeries without authorisation would risk up to three years in jail or substantial fines, with penalties increasing if the recipient was a minor.
This legislative push aligns with a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ expression in Turkey, underscored by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family". Speaking at a summit in Ankara, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmaker Cüneyt Yüksel framed the issue as a national threat, stating, "Projects that attempt to force LGBT propaganda are dynamites that will blow up the future of the Turkish nation."
AK Party Vice Chair Belgin Uygur echoed this sentiment at the same event, vowing to protect the family institution "against deviant movements"—a clear reference to the LGBTQ+ community. Uygur affirmed the party's commitment, saying, "Our goal, our work and our efforts are in this direction. We will place this issue at the centre of our politics and policies."
