We, gays and lesbians, are demanding protection under new Turkish Penal Code
Gay and lesbian activists from Lambda Istanbul visited Turkish Parliament on May 24, 2004 to call for changes in a Turkish Penal Code proposal in order to amend articles that discriminate against gays and lesbians.
Representatives of Lambda Istanbul and Kaos GL met with Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy from district of Nigde, Orhan Erarslan, a member of the sub-commission in charge of new Turkish Penal Code proposal. During the meeting, the spokesman of Lambda Istanbul, Oner Ceylan, demanded the inclusion of gays and lesbians among the groups that are protected by the Turkish Penal Code. Ceylan emphasized the sentences for crimes perpetrated against gays should not be reduced by the court. He also added that laws should be further revised to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians. (So far the only inclusion of gays and lesbians rights in the new Penal Code is Article 124 which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.)
A transvestite named Hulya demanded equal opportunity for employment and asked for opportunities so that they wouldn’t have to be sex workers only.
Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Erarslan said that the sub-commission completed its Penal Code draft, but he would definitely pass the requests of gays and lesbians. He also added that preparations for the Turkish Penal Code should involve all portions of society, and he hoped the new Turkish Penal Code would satisfy the concerns of everyone.
The Lambda Istanbul and Kaos GL representatives issued a statement to the press at the Dikmen door of the Turkish Parliament before leaving the building.
Representatives of Lambda Istanbul and Kaos GL met with Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy from district of Nigde, Orhan Erarslan, a member of the sub-commission in charge of new Turkish Penal Code proposal. During the meeting, the spokesman of Lambda Istanbul, Oner Ceylan, demanded the inclusion of gays and lesbians among the groups that are protected by the Turkish Penal Code. Ceylan emphasized the sentences for crimes perpetrated against gays should not be reduced by the court. He also added that laws should be further revised to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians. (So far the only inclusion of gays and lesbians rights in the new Penal Code is Article 124 which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.)
A transvestite named Hulya demanded equal opportunity for employment and asked for opportunities so that they wouldn’t have to be sex workers only.
Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Erarslan said that the sub-commission completed its Penal Code draft, but he would definitely pass the requests of gays and lesbians. He also added that preparations for the Turkish Penal Code should involve all portions of society, and he hoped the new Turkish Penal Code would satisfy the concerns of everyone.
The Lambda Istanbul and Kaos GL representatives issued a statement to the press at the Dikmen door of the Turkish Parliament before leaving the building.
