{"id":901707,"date":"2026-09-19T13:28:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T13:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/901707\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T13:28:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T13:28:11","slug":"canada-mum-as-european-peers-slam-turkey-for-raiding-lgbtq-groups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/901707\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada mum as European peers slam Turkey for raiding LGBTQ+ groups"},"content":{"rendered":"

OTTAWA \u2014 The Carney government has opted against joining Germany, France and others in condemning Turkey\u2019s crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations as it negotiates a possible trade deal with Ankara.<\/p>\n

Turkish authorities targeted multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals this past week, detaining dozens of activists, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts.<\/p>\n

Authorities have stopped protests against the raids and banned access to numerous social media accounts, despite the fact that same-sex activity is not illegal in Turkey.<\/p>\n

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek wrote on social media that the investigation of 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses was to \u201cprotect children, the institution of the family, and public order.\u201d<\/p>\n

The advocacy group ILGA-Europe is asking countries to speak out, saying roughly 300 people had been arrested as of Thursday and warning the crackdown could lead to further government actions against democracy and the rule of law.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe raids mark an escalation of a concerted attack on LGBTI activism and community support,\u201d the group wrote in a statement.<\/p>\n

It said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan\u2019s hostility toward LGBTQ+ groups has included \u201crestrictions and detentions at Pride, censorship of LGBTI content, pressure on organizations, and political narratives portraying LGBTI people as threats to children, families and public morality.\u201d<\/p>\n

The European Union expressed concern over the raids this week in a statement by a European Commission spokesperson.<\/p>\n

In a joint statement issued Thursday, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Iceland called the crackdown \u201cdeeply troubling.\u201d<\/p>\n

The statement said LGBTQ+ people have rights to expression, assembly and association under the European Convention on Human Rights, which Turkey has signed.<\/p>\n

When asked why Ottawa was not part of the joint statement, Global Affairs Canada did not answer directly. It issued a statement affirming support for LGBTQ+ rights that did not mention Turkey at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cCanada firmly believes that everyone should be able to live freely, safely and with dignity. We remain concerned by developments in some countries where the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ persons are being restricted,\u201d wrote department spokeswoman Thida Ith.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlobal Affairs Canada is in close contact with 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and advocates in the countries where we serve. These trusted partners provide valuable insight into conditions on the ground and help guide Canada\u2019s support for individuals facing discrimination or persecution.\u201d<\/p>\n

Canada did not issue a statement in April when Senegal expanded criminal penalties against LGBTQ+ people, though Global Affairs Canada did update its travel advisory for the West African country.<\/p>\n

Global Affairs said at the time it was \u201caware\u201d of the law and \u201cworking closely with partners\u201d like the United Nations \u201cto assess the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose government is seeking new market access around the world, said he is limiting the government\u2019s public criticism on human rights in China, Saudi Arabia and other countries.<\/p>\n

He has argued closed-door conversations on rights issues are more productive than \u201clecturing countries from afar.\u201d<\/p>\n

In July, Turkey and Canada announced the launch of negotiations on a free-trade deal.<\/p>\n

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is accusing the Carney government of demonstrating a \u201ctroubling double standard\u201d in its criticism of Israel. The Carney government has called out Israel over restrictions on aid for Gaza and rising violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is the Canadian government hostile when it comes to Israel, but not using its economic and diplomatic leverage with (Turkey), which has occupied Cyprus for more than 50 years \u2014 even as Canada\u2019s European allies speak out?\u201d the group wrote in a Wednesday statement.<\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

Add CityNews Vancouver as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n

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