Turkish police detain dozens in raids on gay bars and homes of LGBTQ+ activists

Turkish authorities detained at least 47 people during raids on gay bars and the homes of LGBTQ+ activists across 12 provinces.

The raids were conducted under the government’s “My Family is Safe” campaign, which officials say is intended to protect family values.

Authorities targeted LGBTQ+ groups including Kaos GL, while activists said websites and social media accounts connected to LGBTQ+ organizations were also blocked.

Human rights groups accused the government of using the campaign to discriminate against and intimidate the LGBTQ+ community, the BBC has reported.

The raids come amid growing pressure on LGBTQ+ people in Turkey, where same-sex relationships are legal but same-sex marriage is not recognized.