Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the Eurovision Song Contest, accusing it of promoting "gender neutralization" and undermining traditional family values. Erdogan's comments come in the wake of this year's Eurovision victory by Swiss singer Nemo, who identifies as nonbinary.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a scathing attack on the Eurovision Song Contest, accusing the annual event of promoting "gender neutralization" and threatening the traditional family.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdogan described Eurovision participants as "Trojan horses of social corruption" and declared that Turkey made the right decision to withdraw from the competition in 2012.
Erdogan's criticism appeared to target Swiss singer Nemo, who won this year's Eurovision with "The Code," a song that celebrates the singer's nonbinary identity. Nemo's victory made them the first nonbinary winner in the contest's history.
"At such events, it has become impossible to meet a normal person," Erdogan claimed.
The Turkish president's comments reflect the growing intolerance towards LGBTQ rights in Turkey under his rule. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) has its roots in Turkey's Islamic movement, and its policies have been criticized by LGBTQ activists for curtailing basic rights.
In addition to his criticism of Eurovision, Erdogan also expressed concern about Turkey's declining birth rate, which he described as an "existential threat" and a "disaster."
Last week, Turkey's State Statistical Institute announced that the country's birth rate in 2023 had fallen to 1.51 children per woman. Erdogan has long urged families to have at least three children.
Erdogan's remarks underscore his government's commitment to traditional family values. The AKP has sought to promote marriage, childbearing, and gender roles within the family.
Critics have accused Erdogan of using rhetoric to appeal to conservative voters and further marginalize LGBTQ people. They argue that his statements create an environment of hostility and discrimination, harming the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
Erdogan's comments highlight the growing divide between Turkey and its European counterparts on issues of LGBTQ rights. Many European countries have made significant progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQ rights, including same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws.
Turkey's stance on LGBTQ issues has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and Western governments. The EU has expressed concerns about Turkey's crackdown on LGBTQ rights, and some countries have imposed sanctions on Turkish officials linked to human rights violations.
It remains to be seen how Erdogan's latest comments will affect Turkey's relations with the West. His government has faced international pressure to improve its human rights record, and his remarks could further strain ties with Western governments.
The decline in Turkey's birth rate is also a complex issue that cannot be solely attributed to LGBTQ rights. It is influenced by factors such as economic conditions, urbanization, and education levels. However, Erdogan's focus on traditional family values and his criticism of Eurovision suggest that the issue will remain a point of contention between Turkey and its European neighbors.
