Turkey’s upcoming general election on May 14 promises to be a fierce battle, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faces mounting opposition amid a backdrop of economic woes and human rights concerns. The conservative leader has doubled down on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies in a bid to secure another victory, further marginalizing an already vulnerable community.
Erdoğan’s Troubling Track Record
Erdoğan’s campaign against LGBTQ people has been marked by increased police crackdowns on safe spaces and events, as well as jeopardizing public health through HIV discriminatory policies. The president has even withdrawn Turkey from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at protecting women from domestic violence, under the guise of opposing marriage equality, despite no mention of the issue within the agreement.
This stance has contributed to Turkey’s plummeting human rights record, as evidenced by its ranking of 48 out of 49 countries in Rainbow Europe’s 2022 Map and Index, which measures LGBTQ rights and policies.
The Opposition Rises: A Path to Inclusivity
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, chair of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and unity candidate for six opposition parties, offers an alternative vision for Turkey. Advocating a more inclusive, liberal platform, Kılıçdaroğlu aims to champion freedom of expression and rebuild state institutions to curb Turkey’s slide toward autocracy.
Both Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu have proposed referendums reflecting their respective visions for Turkey’s future. While Erdoğan seeks to restrict marriage to only opposite-sex couples, Kılıçdaroğlu and the opposition parties support a transition from the current presidential system to one led by parliament, potentially decentralizing power and fostering a more democratic and inclusive society.
The Intersection of LGBTQ Rights and Public Health
The implications of Erdoğan’s anti-LGBTQ policies extend beyond human rights, as they have also contributed to the rising HIV epidemic in Turkey. According to the Turkish Medical Association, HIV cases in the country increased by 465% between 2009 and 2019, with exponential growth beginning around the same time as the government’s crackdown on Pride parades and civil liberties.
A recent UNAIDS report reveals concerning trends in HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths throughout Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa regions, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
A Turning Point for Turkey
The outcome of Turkey’s general election will not only determine the nation’s domestic policies and human rights stance but also send a message to its neighbors in a region experiencing political and social realignment. As Turkey faces this pivotal moment, the international community must support local activists and organizations fighting for change and condemn human rights abuses against LGBTQ individuals. The future of Turkey’s society and public health depends on it.