Turkish authorities trying to close leading LGBT group

Efforts to close a leading gay group in Turkey will continue in court. Istanbul’s governor’s office responsible for non governmental organisations claim that the group Lambda violates Turkish laws on morality.

They claim that Lambda violates both the Penal Code, as an association in violation of “law and morals,” and Article 41 of the Turkish constitution, which is concerned with “the peace and welfare of the family.”

At a hearing last October Lambda’s lawyers presented the court with a report from a legal expert explaining why the group’s work on LGBT rights was not in breach of morality codes.

The judge then ordered the prosecution to prepare a report of their own and the case was adjourned until today.

Turkey is in negotiation with the EU about becoming a member of the Union. One of the issues causing concern about their membership is their track record in the area of human rights. Closing Lambda could represent a massive blow to their bid to join. Pink News