Bedroom Polemics about LGBTI in Parliament Equality Commission

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Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and People’s Republican Party (CHP) members in the meeting of Commission of Equality of Opportunity for Women and Men have demanded the expressions of “sexual identity” and “sexual orientation” to be added to law draft about founding Institute of Human Rights and Equality of Turkey.

Commission member, Justice and Development Party (AKP) Tekirdağ MP, Ayşe Doğan claiming the purpose of the commission is to discuss “values of men and women in business life”, has defined rights of the LGBTI members as “private sexes of different groups in bedroom”. Doğan alleged that LGBTI members are the biggest potential threat in society.

HDP and CHP members submitted their statement of opposition regarding the law draft to the parliament today (February 17).

In both parties’ statements of opposition, it has been stated that the draft should be brought in compliance with EU Directives and international standards by including sexual identity, sexual orientation and national origin expressions.

Not consulting NGOs as to the draft was criticized.

Three of the 11 people who have power to take decision on behalf of the institute are assigned by President, the other eight by Council of Ministers. (ÇT/TK)