Türkiye Declares 2025 as the “Year of Fighting LGBT+ Content”
Türkiye has officially declared 2025 as the "Year of Fighting LGBT+ Content." During a parliamentary committee meeting on child abuse issues, representatives from the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) presented reports on the measures being taken to ensure digital security in the country.
RTÜK Chairman Fevziullah Teçirli emphasized that the council continues to work with Turkish TV series producers, focusing on “family values” and supporting content deemed suitable for children. He also highlighted that RTÜK prioritizes cultural initiatives aligned with Türkiye’s traditional values.
BTK Director-General Abdülkerim Gün stated that regulatory bodies are actively working to ban LGBT+ content and are not concerned about potential legal challenges.
This initiative has sparked debates both domestically and internationally, with critics raising concerns about its potential impact on freedom of expression and LGBT+ rights. Experts warn that, amid growing discussions on minority rights and press freedom, such measures could lead to increased censorship and restrict cultural exchange in Türkiye.
The report also notes that similar discussions are taking place in Kazakhstan. Kazakh MP Edil Zhanbyrshin has previously called for penalties against LGBT+ representatives for “information pressure.”
