Story perspectives

Turkey's New Reform Package Targets LGBTQ+ Rights and Freedoms

10/16/2025

28 3

Summary

Story summary

The Turkish government has introduced its 11th Judicial Reform Package affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
The draft proposes prison sentences for transgender individuals and for same-sex couples displaying affection publicly.
It raises the gender reassignment surgery age from 18 to 25 and requires extensive evaluations and marital-status verification.
Officials say the reforms restrict LGBTQ+ digital content, reflecting rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment since 2014 amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's tenure.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Turkish government has introduced its 11th Judicial Reform Package affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
The draft proposes prison sentences for transgender individuals and for same-sex couples displaying affection publicly.
It raises the gender reassignment surgery age from 18 to 25 and requires extensive evaluations and marital-status verification.
Officials say the reforms restrict LGBTQ+ digital content, reflecting rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment since 2014 amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's tenure.