A storm of intense criticism has erupted nationwide and internationally following recent widespread roundups and arrests targeting members of Turkey's LGBTQ+ community. The operation, which took place on September 15, 2026, resulted in the detention of numerous individuals and the blocking of their social media accounts, actions viewed as human rights violations and an infringement on freedom of expression. Alongside Turkish organizations, the European Union has also issued a strong condemnation from Brussels against these repressive activities, creating renewed concern over the country's human rights situation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared this operation part of a national strategy called "Decade of Family and Population." Announced in May 2025, the primary goal of this strategy was to address the alarming decline in the country's birth rate and strengthen traditional, conservative family values. However, according to critics, behind this strategy, the government's repressive policies against the LGBTQ+ community have become even more apparent, contradicting modern democratic values. Many view this government action as a well-organized attack against LGBTQ+ rights.
In protest of this government action, new demonstrations were held in Istanbul on Tuesday. LGBTQ+ organizations firmly stated in a joint declaration that establishing an organization and advocating for rights is not a crime. They emphasized, "Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, protection of personal privacy, and the presumption of innocence also apply to LGBTQ+ individuals." This declaration served as a strong message against the government's repressive policies and reaffirmed support for the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The women's movement has also voiced its support for the LGBTQ+ community. Approximately 120 women's rights organizations signed a joint declaration criticizing authoritarianism in Turkey. They stated, "As women, we stand against the operations conducted in the name of 'keeping the family safe.' We know that the repression of our bodies, our lives, our identities, and our right to organize is part of the same authoritarian politics. Being LGBTQ+ is not a crime! Organizing as LGBTQ+ people is not a crime!" This statement expressed solidarity between women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, creating broad public opinion against the government's policies.
Yıldız Tar, Advocacy Officer for 'Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR)', and a representative of one of the signatory organizations to the joint declaration, commented that the government is attempting to criminalize the LGBTQ+ community. Tar further stated that this criminalization did not begin with the operations of the past few days but has been ongoing for several years. According to her, the government is systematically pressuring LGBTQ+ individuals and attempting to narrow their social and political space.
Tar explained that the aim of these operations is not merely to target LGBTQ+ individuals, but effectively to prohibit their right to engage in politics, organize, demand rights, and assert their presence in the public sphere. She added that the connection between these operations and the slogan "My family is safe" is no coincidence. Tar argued, "The government is trying to justify its actions under the pretext of protecting families and children, but this narrative is ineffective. Because when we look at Turkey today and what truly causes uncertainty for families, we see specific problems such as poverty, housing crisis, unemployment, care work imposed on women, and patriarchal violence against women."
Other organizations have also strongly criticized this government action. The Turkish Medical Association (TMA) described these operations as human rights violations and demanded an end to the politics of discrimination. They stated that criminalizing gender identity and sexual orientation, taking people from their homes at night, and shutting down digital channels—all done in the name of family protection and safety—are in no way acceptable. The TMA emphasized that, as healthcare professionals, they are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all people.
Erkan Baş, leader of the Workers' Party of Turkey, also called for the immediate release of those arrested. He firmly argued that the mere existence of LGBTQ+ individuals is not a crime and that the government's repressive policies are weakening the fundamental pillars of democracy. According to him, a healthy society cannot be built by suppressing dissent. Overall, observers believe that there is an attempt to "discipline" everyone who does not agree with the government's views, which is an ominous sign for the country's democratic environment.
