Protests after Turkish minister calls homosexuality ‘a disease’
Gay rights activists held a protest over a Turkish minister who said that homosexuality was “a disease”.
Aliye Kavaf, the minister for women and family, made the remarks last month. She said: “I believe homosexuality is a biological disorder. I think it is a disease that needs treatment.”
As she was addressing a gender equality meeting yesterday, the protesters began shouting slogans and holding up banners saying “Don’t hate, apologise”.
They were then dragged out of the room by men in dark suits, Associated Press reports.
Gay groups have been calling for Ms Kavaf to include LGBT people in anti-discrimination measures.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, a Muslim country, but activists say discrimination and persecution are common.
Turkey is currently attempting to become a member of the European Union.
