Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over renewed legal proposals in Türkiye that could increase restrictions and criminal penalties targeting LGBT people. The organization is calling on the government to withdraw the proposed amendments, warning that they could violate fundamental human rights protections.
Reports from Turkish media indicate that the government has circulated proposed legal changes that would introduce penalties for vaguely defined “attitudes and behaviors contrary to biological sex and public morality.” The measures could include prison sentences of up to three years for certain expressions or actions considered to promote such conduct.
The proposals would also introduce significant restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare, including raising the minimum age for gender reassignment procedures, adding additional requirements for medical approval, and imposing penalties on healthcare providers who do not comply with the new rules.
Human Rights Watch says the measures would conflict with international standards on privacy, legal recognition, equality, and the right to health. The organization warns that the proposed changes could deepen discrimination and create further barriers for LGBT people seeking healthcare and legal recognition.
The concerns come amid years of restrictions on LGBT public events in Türkiye, including bans on Pride marches and other community gatherings. Human Rights Watch says continued use of restrictive laws and public rhetoric against LGBT people has contributed to an environment of increasing pressure and discrimination.
The organization is urging Turkish authorities to protect equal rights and ensure that legislation respects international human rights commitments rather than expanding criminalization and exclusion.
