04-03-2025
Turkish draft law could penalize non-traditional gender expression
A leaked draft law, reportedly prepared by Turkey's ruling party, could criminalize behaviour that does not align with traditional gender roles, opposition and rights groups have warned.
According to the document, seen by dpa, individuals who "encourage, praise or promote" actions against "biological sex and general morality" could face up to three years in prison.
The draft law also proposes jail terms of up to four years for same-sex couples who hold symbolic wedding ceremonies. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Turkey.
Further restrictions on gender reassignment measures could include raising the minimum age to 21 from 18, the draft states, in addition to requiring court approval and a psychological assessment.
The proposal is justified as protecting the "institution of the family," a key theme for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Islamic-conservative ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmaker Gökce Gökcen warned that the law's vague wording could criminalize actions as minor as men wearing skirts or nail polish.
Local LGBTQ+ rights group Kaos GL condemned the proposal as unconstitutional, arguing it would effectively criminalize people's identities.
It remains unclear if or when the draft law could be submitted to parliament.
