Political unrest in Turkey intensified this week as President Erdogan declared that LGBTQ people don’t exist. Following numerous demonstrations over the past month that included displays of solidarity with members of LGBTQ community, Erdogan said in a televised speech that his country simply does not have any queer or transgender residents. The Turkish President said “The LGBT, there is no such thing. This country is… moral, and it will walk to the future with these values.” The remarks followed similar statements made days earlier in which the authoritarian Turkish leader accused pro-LGBTQ activists of committing “acts of vandalism” and claimed they are destroying the country. He said “We will carry our young people to the future. Not as the LGBT youth but as the youth that existed in our nation's glorious past.” Over the weekend, an estimated 159 people were arrested, but the detentions only profilerated the days following. Sixty-five people were reportedly rounded up in the last several days alone, with the total number of arrestees now totaling around 600. Public attitudes are generally harsh toward LGBTQ people in Turkey, which has no federal laws protecting queer and trans people from discrimination. Human rights groups believe Erdogan’s anti-LGBTQ actions are part of an attempt to further consolidate power, a process that accelerated after a failed coup in 2016. Since then, Erdogan has engaged in a systematic purge of officials seen as disloyal. Erdogan enjoyed a close relationship with Donald Trump but is likely to find a less friendly reception with President Joe Biden, who issued a memo on Thursday affirming the administration’s commitment to fighting for LGBTQ equality around the world. In tandem with that pledge, Biden’s State Department issued a statement condemning Erdogan’s actions. The US State Department said “We are concerned by detentions of students and other demonstrators and strongly condemn the anti-LGBTQIA rhetoric surrounding the demonstrations,”' There is likely a speeding train by the US and European Union against Turkey.
Turkish President Says LGBTQ People Don’t Exist Amid National Protests
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