> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.gtv.blue/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Turkey arrests dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ activists - URL: https://www.gtv.blue/turkey/ - Published: 2026-09-15T23:01:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-16T06:30:28.000Z - Description: The persecution of queer people continues. - Author: Gareth Johnson - Tags: An LGBTQ Guide to the World The [BBC is reporting](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwg7ky12g14jo?ref=gtv.blue) that Turkish police have arrested dozens of people as part of the government's continuing repression of the LGBTQ community. People were detained as they gathered on Tuesday 15 September outside Istanbul's main courthouse - they were calling for the release of a group of LGBTQ activists who had been arrested over the weekend in a series of raids on gay bars and the homes of individuals. The arrests at the courthouse began after people unfurled a banner reading "Being LGBTQ is not a crime". According to reporting by the BBC, the government's anti-LGBTQ campaign appears to be widening, with authorities raiding the offices of community groups, blocking websites, and making arrests across the country. The Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, Michael O'Flaherty, has released a statement raising concerns about the arrests. > Michael O'Flaherty: "I am concerned by reports of a series arrests, raids and the blocking of websites and social media accounts targeting LGBTI civil society and human rights defenders across Turkey." O'Flaherty's statement referenced that Turkey's Minister of Justice had confirmed that an operation was being conducted against 162 individuals, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces under the coordination of several Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices. Repression of LGBTQ people in Turkey is not a new thing but it's not clear what is driving this current increase in persecution by the authorities. ## What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Turkey? What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Turkey? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators. ### Is homosexuality legal in Turkey? Yes. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised by the Ottoman Empire in 1858, and this was unchanged when modern-day Turkey emerged in 1923. ### Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Turkey? No. There are no protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality. ### Is there Marriage Equality in Turkey? No. There is no legal recognition for same-sex relationships. ### What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Turkey? Turkey is a socially conservative country. Homosexuality is seen as a taboo subject. Homophobia is systemic. LGBTQ people generally conceal their sexuality. Attempts to hold LGBTQ Pride celebrations in Istanbul have consistently been a point of conflict between the LGBTQ community and the authorities in Turkey. The recent [ILGA report on LGBTQ Equality in Europe](https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org/countries/turkey/?ref=gtv.blue) ranked Turkey 47th overall. With a total score of 4.75%, Turkey some points on the criteria of Legal Gender Recognition and Civil Society Space but no points on any of the other assessed criteria. ## Sign up for full access to G-TV Immerse yourself in the world of gay men. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime. [An LGBTQ Guide to the World - Naked Men TalkingBe part of a global community of sex-positive men.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e8/3f/e83f7e76-af4a-4e9f-a171-931e3df7b588/content/images/icon/favicon-e253e064-37ec-41cc-bf78-dba915bccf1a.ico)Naked Men Talking![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e8/3f/e83f7e76-af4a-4e9f-a171-931e3df7b588/content/images/thumbnail/AdobeStock_87394082-ada7e24e-859e-4e5a-93b1-096195c234f7.jpeg)](https://www.gtv.blue/tag/an-lgbtq-guide-to-the-world/)