TURKISH LGBT GROUP WINS COURT CASE

The Turkish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) solidarity organisation, Lambda Istanbul, has won its appeal against the closure of the association.

The Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision was communicated to Lambda Istanbul’s lawyers last week.

A local court in Istanbul had ordered the closure of the association on 29 May 2008. The original ruling followed a complaint by the Istanbul Governor’s Office that Lambda Istanbul’s objectives were against Turkish “moral values and family structure”.

The Supreme Court of Appeals rejected the local court’s decision on the grounds that reference to LGBT people in the name and the statute of the association did not constitute opposition to Turkish moral values.

The Court’s judgment also recognised the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals to form associations.

Welcoming the outcome of the appeal, human rights group Amnesty International’s researcher on Turkey Andrew Gardner said: “This is an important decision upholding the rights of freedom of association and non-discrimination.

“The judgment should send a clear message to the authorities not to interfere in the legitimate work of LGBT organisations.”

Amnesty International issued an action in support of Lambda Istanbul which was taken up by thousands of people around the world, particularly in the run up to the Supreme Court of Appeals’ hearing.

The case will now go back to the local court in Istanbul, which is expected to uphold the Supreme Court of Appeals’ decision.