In a joint letter dated December 17, the Presidents of CINGO and the Expert Council addressed to Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe expressed serious concerns about the court decision ordering the dissolution of the Izmir-based Young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Youth Studies and Solidarity Association against its own will and that of its members.
The letter emphasized that the activities carried out by the Young LGBTI+ Association are fully in line with the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and with the standards developed within the framework of the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organizations in Europe. It was also underlined that these activities are consistent with the core values of the Council of Europe.
The statement drew attention to the fact that the dissolution decision was based on allegations of “obscenity” and “promoting being LGBTI+,” and stated that these justifications in no way reflect the nature of the association’s work.
The letter also noted that the decision is open to appeal, and expressed hope that in the ongoing judicial processes the legitimate nature of the association’s activities would be duly assessed, the decision would be overturned, and Turkey would fully adhere to its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe.
The full English text of the statement by the Presidents of CINGO and the Expert Council on NGO Law and the letter can be accessed on the Council of Europe’s website via this link.