Erdoğan to opposition leader: 'You are pro-LGBT, and those with you are pro-LGBT too’

Photo: AA

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Yesterday (June 21), President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan claimed that the opposition is 'pro-LGBT' and affiliated with 'terrorists' during the 28th term inaugural group meeting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) chairperson commenced his speech by thanking those working during the 2023 general elections, people affected by the February 6 earthquakes, citizens residing abroad, as well as the parties and leaders of his People's Alliance.

During his address, Erdoğan shifted his focus to criticize Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the Republican People's Party (CHP) chairperson and leader of the opposition bloc known as the Nation's Alliance or the Table of Six.

From Qandil to Pennsylvania

Responding to Kılıçdaroğlu's recent statement, in which he mentioned the possibility of forming a "Table of Sixteen" if necessary, Erdoğan questioned whether the CHP leader had ever opposed support calls from prohibited groups.

"Have you ever objected to the calls of support from terrorist barons from Qandil to Pennsylvania? None of you did, and none of you can't,'' Erdoğan said, referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and FETÖ, an abbreviation for the "Fethullahist Terrorist Organization," led by the US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the failed 2016 putsch.

'You are pro-LGBT'

Continuing his speech, Erdoğan touched on the constitutional amendment debate. He proposed securing the headscarf matter during the new legislative term but warned that he would publicly highlight any lack of honesty or support for constitutional amendments from the opposition, further accusing them of using 'fascist and racist' practices during the election period as well as labeling them 'pro-LGBT.'

"Bye Bye Kemal, you are pro-LGBT, and those with you are pro-LGBT too. But neither the AKP nor the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has such troubles. That's the difference between us. You did not hesitate to use fascism and racism to the maximum extent to win elections," he remarked, using a nickname he gave to the opposition leader.

The ruling coalition has repeatedly made allegations that the opposition is closely associated with both 'terrorists' and 'LGBTs.'

During a campaign rally in İstanbul on May 7, the President showed a video depicting the main opposition candidate with militants from the PKK. In a TV interview two weeks later, Erdoğan acknowledged that the video shown was fabricated.

In his electoral victory speeches after securing his third term, the AKP chair referred to the opposition as 'LGBT' and denounced these groups as "perverted movements." (TY/WM/VK)