The General Assembly of Rainbow Rose, meeting in Rome for its annual gathering in October, passed unanimously an extraordinary motion on the plight of the LGBTIQ+ in Türkiye, and declared our demands and solidarity. Solidarity Statement and Call to Action in support of the LGBTIQ+ community in Türkiye
This General Assembly notes:
- The unprecedented attack on the LGBTIQ+ in Türkiye, which began on the 12th September 2026
- The actions taken by the Turkish authorities include the blocking of websites and social media channels associated with LGBTIQ+ organisations and allies, the raiding and searching of offices and private homes of LGBTIQ+ individuals and human rights defenders, and the targeting of individuals connected with 50+ LGBTIQ+ organisations culminating in the arrest of over 100 LGBTIQ+ and human rights activists across Türkiye
- That many of those arrested still remain in custody, following reports of rights violations and discriminatory practices in detention
- That the operations were made under the guise of the Turkish Government’s “My Family is Safe” moral crusade against ‘obscenity’
- That reports of the invoking of Article 220 of the Turkish Criminal Code, concerning the establishment of an organisation for the purpose of committing crimes, is a concerning escalation of the oppressive tools the authorities are using to silence organisations associated with the LGBTIQ+ community
This General Assembly believes:
- That LGBTIQ+ organisations, and those allied to the LGBTIQ+ community and human rights, must be able to operate in Türkiye
- That the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression must be upheld in Türkiye and applied equally
- The detention and prosecution of human rights defenders because of their legitimate activities, as well as the targeting of the LGBTIQ+ community in violation of the prohibition of discrimination, is unacceptable and should be taken into consideration as part of political, economic and diplomatic relations with Türkiye
This General Assembly resolves:
- To work with LGBTIQ+ organisations in Türkiye, so that we can inform key stakeholders across Europe of their situation and plight
- To raise these concerns with key stakeholders in Europe including Ministers and representatives in national governments, as well as representatives in the European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of Europe; and with senior leaders within PES and the leadership of PES member parties
- To call on PES member parties from Türkiye: CHP and DEM, as well as cooperate with new progressive party YENI Parti to work closely with the LGBTIQ+ organisations and activists, providing public support and maintaining the pressure towards the Turkish government
- To call on governments in Europe to exert pressure on Türkiye to ensure that all those arrested are released with ensured protection of their rights throughout judicial proceedings, and that LGBTIQ+ organisations can operate in Türkiye without fear or intimidation
