Turkey

Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey as words like "homosexual, transgender, and bisexual" do not exist in Turkish law. The revisions of criminal codes in 2005 retained provisions barring "indecency," "exhibitionism," and "offenses against public morality,"historically often used to restrict LGBT people's rights. Furthermore, recent amendments to a 1934 law on the powers and duties of the police have given the police almost unlimited power to patrol and control public spaces (cruising areas). Violence has gained visibility: Gangs go to cruising areas and visit internet websites where gay men meet - looking for chances to inflict violence or robbery. Police rarely respond adequately; sometimes even blaming or harassing the victims of violence. In Turkey, the Penal Code criminalizes encouraging or facilitating sex work; however, prostitution in licensed brothels is legal for women only. Identity cards in Turkey are colour coded: pink for women and blue for men. Sex change operations can only be undertaken with a court decision - thereafter the ID card is changed. Transgender who do not have an operation have a problem. There are also no laws regarding the sex workers working on the streets. The policemen decide arbitrarily which sex workers should be working in which area. In Turkey, military service is mandatory for every man older than 20 years old. Turkey does not recognise conscientious objection to military service. Objectors must identify themselves as "sick" and are forced to undergo humiliating and degrading examinations to "prove" their homosexuality, sometimes even with photos of them having anal sex with the same sex. Both Lambdaistanbul and KAOS-GL have faced state attempts, using national laws protecting "morality" or "decency," to censor them or close them down. On April 7, 2008, police raided the offices of Lambda Istanbul. The police justified the incursion by claiming the organization "encourages" and "facilitates" prostitution and is a threat to "Turkish family values". Despite the legal expert’s report which clearly stated that there was no substant ial reason to close down the association, the local court issued a verdict against Lambdaistanbul on May 29th, 2008 ordering its dissolution. On June 24, 2008 the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. The petition to ban Lambda Istanbul then finally failed in December 2008. Another attempt to bring about a ban in the following year was also unsuccessful. Turkey is nevertheless a very interesting country, rich in culture, friendly people and fantastic cuisine. A visit to Istanbul is a must!