We, the undersigned human rights organisations, believe that the only just outcome in the unfair prosecution of 19 human rights defenders for their participation in a peaceful Pride march on the campus of Ankara’s Middle East Technical University (METU) on 10 May 2019 is their wholesale acquittal at their next hearing on 10 December at 09:00 UTC+3.

The human rights defenders face charges of “participating in an unlawful assembly” and “failing to disperse despite being warned,” despite the fact that earlier in the year, on 21 February 2019, the Ankara Administrative Appeals Court had lifted the blanket ban prohibiting all LGBTI+ activities in Ankara introduced under the state of emergency, which was used as the legal basis to ban the march.  The regional court lifted the ban on the grounds that it was unlawful and restricted rights and freedoms in unconditional, vague, and disproportionate ways.

METU Pride had been organised peacefully every year since 2011. However, on 6 May 2019, the administration of METU unlawfully banned the METU Pride march. Since the administration’s decision contravened the Ankara court’s ruling, activists and students exercised their legal right to freedom of assembly and gathered to proceed with their annual march. The university administration then contacted the Ankara Security Directorate asking them to intervene to prevent the march from taking place.

The police used excessive force on peaceful protestors on the day: tear gas and plastic bullets were fired at the crowd, students were dragged across the ground, pushed up against trees and sustained head injuries. The excessive force used during the police intervention is a clear violation of the right to peaceful assembly, which is protected under domestic law and international laws, including the European Convention of Human Rights, to which Turkey is a party.

Despite there being ample video footage of the police violence, to-date, none of the police officers seen using excessive force have been charged.  On the contrary, 18 students and an academic who were exercising their right to freedom of assembly were detained, charged and prosecuted, facing a possible prison sentence of up to three years.  

In June 2020, the Ankara Administrative Court No. 7 made reference to the 2019 ruling by the Ankara District Administrative Court No. 12 which quashed the blanket ban on all LGBTI+ events in the capital in place since 2017, stating that “although specific assemblies and demonstrations may be banned, the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration should be protected as an inalienable right in a democratic society” and that “the State has an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure this right can be  exercised securely”. This ruling confirms that the METU administration’s ban on the May 2019 Pride March on campus had no legal basis.

We therefore call on the trial prosecutor to recommend the acquittal of all the human rights defenders at the hearing on 10 December, and for all the relevant authorities in Turkey to ensure that the security forces and METU administration uphold the right to freedom of peaceful assembly as enshrined in domestic law and international human rights law, by ensuring that future Pride marches at METU campus and in Ankara take place without obstruction. We also call on the Turkish authorities to conduct a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the excessive use of force by the police on the campus, and for police officers responsible for arbitrary or abusive force to be brought to justice.

• Agir ensemble pour les droits humains
• Amnesty International
• Civil Rights Defenders
• Front Line Defenders
• Human Rights Without Frontiers
• ILGA-Europe – the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
• Netherlands Helsinki Committee
• World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

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Further information:

• Read our press release dated 7 December 2020.
• Watch and share our video on Twitter in support of the METU LGBTI+ Solidarity’s campaign.
• Timeline of the story so far.

18 students and one academic face up to three years imprisonment in Turkey, should a judgement be made against them on December 10. The charges? Participating in a Pride march. Here’s the story so far, and how you can stand up for the METU 19.

In May 2019, 19 LGBTI rights defenders were detained while gathering for a Pride march at the Middle East Technical University (METU) in the Turkish city of Ankara. The city’s governor had placed an indefinite ban on LGBTI+ public events in November 2017, under the state of emergency, which was then lifted by the Ankara court earlier in the year, months before the METU Pride march. Despite this, the METU administration still banned Pride.

Because the university administration’s decision contravened the Ankara court’s ruling, activists and students exercised their legal and human right to freedom of assembly and gathered to proceed with their annual peaceful march. The university administration then contacted the police and asked them to intervene.

Arriving at the campus, Police used excessive force to disperse the students after the peaceful Pride march began. Tear gas and plastic bullets were fired at the crowd, students were dragged across the ground, pushed up against trees and sustained head injuries, and 23 people were detained and prosecuted. After several postponements, on 10 December, 2020, which also happens to be International Human Rights Day, 19 of the detained people will face judgement, and up to three years in prison if they are not acquitted.

Gathering for a Pride march is a human right. According to Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others.” Turkey is signatory of the convention.

What are the charges?

Participating in “unlawful assembly” (a peaceful Pride March) at the Middle East Technical University (METU) in 2019, and “resisting despite warning”. One student was also charged with insulting a police officer. The prosecution office claims that the police used proportional force, however, police violence was documented in eyewitness reports and video footage. None of the police officers seen using excessive force at the event have been charged.

Turkey must ensure the right to freedom of assembly for all its citizens, and acquit the 19 @ODTULGBTI Pride activists on 10 December.

Join their campaign! 🎥 Share our video & film your own about what Pride means to you 🏳️‍🌈 #BenimOnurYürüyüşüm & #ODTÜRengineKavuşsun pic.twitter.com/HJArBWTvh1

— ILGA-Europe (@ILGAEurope) December 2, 2020

Ahead of the trial, have a look at the timeline of events and join us in showing solidarity with the METU 19.

1996:

Students at METU formed a group to ensure a safe space for LGBTI+ people at the university.

2011:

The first METU Pride was celebrated.

November 2017:

A blanket indefinite ban on public events focused on LGBTI+ rights was issued in Ankara, using the state of emergency powers. Despite the ending of emergency rule in July 2018, the Ankara Governor’s office did not lift the ban until two years later.

21 February 2019:

Ankara’s 12th Administrative Court lifted the blanket ban on LGBTI events in the city.

6 May 2019:

The METU University Rector, Mustafa Ver?an Kök, sent an email to all students, graduates, and faculty members, informing them that the Rectorate was prohibiting Pride events.

10 May 2019:

The METU Pride march went ahead, in accordance with the Ankara Court’s lifting of the ban. 22 people ­- 21 students and one professor — were detained after police forces entered the campus at the request of the university administration. Police dispersed the crowd using pepper spray, tear gas and plastic bullets. All 22 detainees were released later that day.

2 August 2019:

19 of the 22 detained LGBTI+ rights defenders were notified that a criminal case had been opened against them, related to the charges of “participating in an unlawful assembly” and “resisting despite warning”, under Article 2911 of the Turkish Penal Code.

12 November 2019:

The first hearing of the court case took place. The judgement was postponed until 12 March, 2020.

12 March 2020:

The judgement was again postponed until 10 July, 2020.

24 June 2020:

An Ankara administrative court annulled the university’s ban on 2019 METU Pride March.

12 July 2020:

The judgement was pushed back again, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

10 December 2020:

The trial is scheduled for the 19 LGBTI activists.

Join our campaign!

Here is how you can join the campaign to show your support for the METU 19 and for freedom of assembly in Turkey and everywhere. Film a video of yourself saying what Pride means to you and share on your social media accounts using the hashtags #BenimOnurYürüyü?üm and #ODTÜRengineKavu?sun

We call on Turkey to respect, guarantee, protect and fulfil the fundamental rights of the LGBTI community without discrimination as enshrined by its Constitution and equality article therein (article 10), and ratified by human rights treaty bodies.

We, the undersigned human rights organisations, are concerned about rising hateful rhetoric against the LGBTI community by representatives of high-level religious and political institutions in Turkey which we have seen in the last week. These efforts are part of a broader backlash on human rights targeting various minorities. Considering the systematic attacks and bans that Turkey’s LGBTI movement has experienced at the hands of Turkish authorities since 2017,(see here and here) the statements by the chief of religious affairs and endorsed by President Erdogan are yet another escalation of an ongoing attack from state institutions against the LGBTI community, and further endanger the work of LGBTI rights defenders in the country. The attacks on the LGBTI community unfortunately have become exemplary of efforts by the Turkish government to undermine human rights and the rule of law in the country.

It is particularly concerning that the Turkish government is using the moment of the global COVID-19 pandemic to undermine the fundamental rights of marginalized groups in society. Stirring up hatred could exacerbate existing inequalities and likely lead to further discrimination in the provision of health care services, employment and other services that are vital in times of crisis. It may also lead to arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, persecution and surveillance by law enforcement authorities – who might feel that such acts are condoned or even encouraged by the government.

The Turkish government has an obligation to protect everyone from hate crime and discrimination, and should not be part of any statements that could encourage hate crimes and target a minority group, including LGBTI people. Turkey’s government should ensure that all of its representatives refrain from making statements that stigmatise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and people living with HIV, and which put them at risk of harassment and attacks. Human rights defenders should not be criminalised for speaking out against homophobic statements by state officials, and therefore criminal investigations against those speaking out, such as the Ankara and Diyarbak?r Bar Associations, should be dropped immediately.

We reiterate the statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, in which he clearly states that religious beliefs cannot be used to justify LGBTI rights violations nor be invoked as legitimate ‘justification’ for violence or discrimination against LGBTI people, and that the right to freedom of religion protects individuals and not religions as such.

We recall that as a founding member of the United Nations, Turkey pledged to protect inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. In addition, as a Member State of the Council of Europe and having ratified the European Convention of Human Rights, Turkey must uphold European human rights law, which prohibits a discriminatory application of human rights.

We call on Turkey to respect, guarantee, protect and fulfil the fundamental rights of the LGBTI community without discrimination as enshrined by its Constitution and equality article therein (article 10), and ratified by human rights treaty bodies. The Turkish government should ensure that all of its representatives refrain from making statements that stigmatise LGBTI people and people living with HIV, and which put them at risk of harassment and attack.

Background information

During the Friday sermon (khutbah) on April 24, the President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Ali Erba? targeted LGBTI people and people living with HIV. He equated homosexuality with a disease, stating that “hundreds of thousands of people a year are exposed to the HIV virus caused by this great haram, which passes as adultery in the Islamic Literature”. Moreover, the President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs insinuated that lesbian and gay people were to blame for the COVID-19 outbreak. This is not the first instance of hate speech by the Directorate of Religious Affairs, but this time the statement received the support of other political leaders.

Within days, several leaders came out to publicly support Erba?. The Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Advisor, ?brahim Kal?n, commented that Ali Erba? “put the divine truth into words”. The Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, commented that Erba?’ words “remind us of our religious values in order to protect our families and generations during Ramadan”. The Parliamentary Human Rights Investigation Commission Spokesperson, Osman Nuri Gülaç, added that “the future of humanity is only possible through legitimate marriages” and referred to LGBT lobbies commanding academia, politics and media in many countries in the world.

On April 27, the Ankara Branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD) filed a criminal complaint against Ali Erba? in order to “prevent hate crimes, discrimination and gender inequality”. The Ankara, Diyarbakir, Istanbul, and Izmir Bar Associations joined the call condemning the sermon, noting that it raises concerns about the usurping of a ceremony of faith-based values to openly incite hatred and discrimination towards a minority. On the same day, the Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office started an investigation against the Ankara Bar Association on the grounds of “insulting religious values that a part of the society has embraced”. The Bar Association of Diyarbakir is also the object of an investigation under the same grounds.The next day, President Erdogan commented that “An attack on our Diyanet head is an attack on the state.” Such attacks on the fundamental rights of LGBTI people represent a serious threat to respect for fundamental rights generally in Turkey.

ILGA-Europe – the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association

International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

Front Line Defenders

IGLYO – The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Intersex Youth and Student Organisation

Civil Rights Defenders

Human Rights without Frontiers

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee

International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims

International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR)

World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) – Europe

Amnesty International

LGBTI ENLARGEMENT REVIEW 2019

In order to ensure an accurate representation of the developments relating to the human rights of LGBTI people ILGA-Europe and ERA, together with our member organisations in EU accession countries, have compiled this submission to the Progress Reports of the European Commission.

This report reflects developments in the recognition and respect for the human rights of LGBTI people in each accession country during the period from January through December 2019. It is intended to assist the European Commission in assessing the progress made en route to EU accession in each country to date. In addition to outlining key developments and challenges on the road to LGBTI equality, the report also highlights gaps in legislation and policy for the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBTI people, and the priorities which authorities in each country should tackle in the coming year, as identified by LGBTI activists in the respective countries.
We hope that this input will be useful in the process of assessing the progress of each country to date, and in identifying key priorities in the coming year.

We also hope that this report will be used as guidance by the EU officials, MEPs and EU representatives in the accession countries throughout the year, when referring to rights of LGBTI persons in the accession countries and the much needed further improvement of their position in society and within legal and policy frameworks.

The EU accession process has been, and continues to be, a driving force for change in the recognition of the human rights of LGBTI people throughout the region. Year on year the human rights of LGBTI people continue to feature notably in the reports, assessing progress to date and setting out recommendations for the authorities to implement in the future. In order to ensure this implementation, we deem it necessary to extend this reporting process so that it includes mechanisms for the follow-up of the recommendations to national governments, and for reporting back to civil society on how data published in the reports are used in this regard throughout the year. In this way we can ensure that the reports reach their full potential when it comes to securing social and legal change for the rights of LGBTI people in the region.

Civil Rights Defenders, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Front Line Defenders and International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe) call upon Turkish authorities to drop all charges against 19 LGBTI+ rights defenders due to stand trial on 12 November 2019 in Ankara

On 12 November 2019, 19 LGBTI+ rights defenders will stand trial, charged with “participating in an unlawful assembly” and “resisting despite warning” for   attending the peaceful LGBTI+ Pride March at the Middle East Technical University (METU) campus in Ankara on 10 May 2019.

The 19 (18 students and one faculty member), were among 22 people who were arrested during the Pride March in METU, after police forces entered the university campus at the request of the university administration.  Police dispersed the crowd using pepper spray, tear gas and plastic bullets. All 22 arrested were released later that day.

Speaking on behalf of the four organisations, Björn van Roozendaal, Programmes Director for ILGA-Europe said, “The defenders were practising their right to assembly and standing up for the rights of others in a peaceful manner when the police attacked and arrested them.  No one should be prosecuted for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. All charges against the human rights defenders should be dropped immediately, and this case should be closed.”

The Pride March was organised by METU LGBTI+ Solidarity, a student group established in 1996,  which works to secure gender equality, eradicate on-campus LGBTI+ phobia, and ensure that the university is a safe space for LGBTI+ people. The group has been organising Pride Marches on the campus every May since 2011.

On 6 May 2019, shortly before the METU Pride March, the university Rector, Mustafa Ver?an Kök, sent an email to all students, graduates, and faculty members, informing them that the Rectorate was prohibiting the event.  He referred to the ban on LGBTI+ events in Ankara, issued by the Ankara Governor’s office on 3 October 2018 and warned that the Rectorate would ask the Ankara Police to intervene if the event took place. When the Pride March commenced, the police violently dispersed students.

Twenty-one students and one professor were taken into police custody.  Shortly afterwards, the university opened administrative investigations against the students who participated in the Pride March. On 5 August 2019, 19 of the 22 arrested LGBTI+ rights defenders were notified that a criminal case had been opened against them, related to the charges of “participating in an unlawful assembly” and “resisting despite warning”  under Article 2911 of Turkish Penal Court.

In November 2017, using the state of emergency powers, a blanket indefinite ban on public events focused on LGBTI+ rights was issued in Ankara. Despite the ending of emergency rule in July 2018, the Ankara Governor’s office did not lift the ban. On the contrary, on 3 October 2018, the Governor’s office informed law enforcement and other relevant authorities of a new ban, without giving any indication of when it would end.

On 19 April 2019, the Ankara Administrative Appeals Court lifted the ban introduced under the state of emergency, on the grounds that it was unlawful and restricted rights and freedoms in unconditional, vague, and disproportionate ways.

The four organisations said “We would like to remind the authorities that the state’s duty is to take security measures to protect peaceful assemblies and events, not ban them. The government should carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the excessive use of force during the event, instead of prosecuting the human rights defenders. We reiterate our call to the authorities to drop all charges against the 19 defenders and ensure that all human rights defenders in Turkey are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.”

LGBTI ENLARGEMENT REVIEW 2018

The EU accession process has been, and continues to be, a driving force for change in the recognition of the human rights of LGBTI people throughout the region not only through the criteria that countries have to meet, but through the annual Enlargement Reports. Year on year the human rights of LGBTI people continue to feature notably in the reports, assessing progress to date and setting out recommendations for the authorities to implement in the future , as well as providing a key tool used by LGBTI organisations in the region to engage with their governments and hold them accountable for the commitments made.

In order to ensure an accurate representation of the developments relating to the human rights of LGBTI people ILGA-Europe, together with our member organisations in EU accession countries, have compiled this submissions to the Progress Reports of the European Commission.

This report reflects developments in the recognition and respect for the human rights of LGBTI people in each accession country during the period from January through December 2018. It is intended to assist the European Commission in assessing the progress made en route to EU accession in each country to date. In addition to outlining key developments and challenges on the road to LGBTI equality, the report also highlights gaps in legislation and policy for the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBTI people, and the priorities which authorities in each country should tackle in the coming year, as identified by LGBTI activists in respective countries.
We hope that this input will be useful in the process of assessing the progress of each country to date, and in identifying key priorities in the coming year.

Joint public statement from Amnesty International, ILGA-Europe and All Out calling on authorities to ensure istanbul Pride takes place

As the annual Istanbul Pride due to take place on Sunday 1 July approaches, Amnesty International, ILGA-Europe and All Out stand in solidarity with Turkey’s LGBTI+ communities and their allies, calling on the authorities to ensure Istanbul Pride march takes place without any unlawful restrictions.

Björn van Roozendaal, Programmes Director for ILGA-Europe said:

“In 2018, Pride is undoubtedly a litmus test for democratic values – a test that over the past few years, Turkey has failed to meet. It’s particularly disappointing when you consider the incredible history of Pride in Istanbul. Sadly, the restrictions on LGBTI public events since then in the region are indicative of the attempted erosion of civil society organising and human rights. History is repeating itself.

And make no mistake, this is harming all of society, not just the LGBTI communities and their allies. Attacks on activism and dissenting voices, a constant refusal from authorities to engage with their citizens, and persistent disregard for fundamental rights – this is something that should provoke a reaction from all communities, not only the LGBTI movement.

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• Read the joint statement in full here.

The ban on public events organised by LGBTI groups, imposed by the Turkish state of Ankara’s Governor in November 2017, has been upheld by Ankara’s 4th and 13th Administrative Courts.

Two Ankara-based LGBTI NGOs Kaos GL and Pembe Hayat (Pink Life) had challenged the ban in court, initiating their legal action days after Ankara’s governorship made the announcement. Both NGOs called the ban illegal and asked for the decision to be revoked.

However, both NGOs’ appeals to halt the Ankara ban have been rejected by the city’s administrative courts.

“The decisions are ridiculous, to be perfectly honest. The blanket ban is indiscriminate, vague, open-ended and a clear breach of fundamental human rights conventions that Turkey has willingly signed up to. It should never have been introduced in the first place, never mind defended.” commented Bjorn van Roozendaal, ILGA-Europe Programmes Director. 

News of the court decision in relation to the ban in Ankara is even more concerning in light of the detention (and in some cases, re-arrests) of human rights activists in Turkey earlier this month. This included Kaos GL founder Ali Erol and provides yet another example of the deteriorating situation for civil society in the country. 

The prohibition of any activities organised by LGBTI organisations in Ankara has had worrying consequences. 

Firstly, the geographical impact of the ban did not stop at the capital city’s borders. Since it was introduced, Turkish LGBTI activists have reported that a Queer Festival was banned by the Beyo?lu District Governorship, that an LGBTI film screening in Bursa was disrupted by the police, and that the university administration at Middle East Technical University prevented two LGBTI-themed film screenings.

Activists have also noted that the Ankara ban coincided with a rise in anti-LGBTI hate speech, with negative comments appearing in the media (traditional and online platforms). This includes remarks specifically directed at LGBTI NGOs. 

“Legitimising hate of LGBTI people through a measure like this is unacceptable. The message must go out that this is not OK, the Turkish LGBTI community is not alone and that your friends in other countries across Europe continue to support you in your legal fight.” concluded van Roozendaal. 

#LGBTIYasaklanamaz #LGBTICantBeBanned

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• Turkey currently sits at 46th in the Rainbow Europe ranking on law and policy.
• Kaos GL’s official media statement, reacting to the recent court decision rejecting the appeal, is available here. 
• The Governor’s Office statement announcing the original ban is available here: (Turkish) (English translation) 

Discrimination on the ground of gender identity

(Application no. 49373/17), 13 February 2018

Find here the communicated case.

• The applicant was taken out of a bar allegedly on account of her appearance and gender identity. Subsequently, she lodged a criminal complaint against the owner of the bar. The Turkish courts considered it had not been proven that the accused’s act had been based on discriminatory motives.
• ILGA-Europe together with TGEU and  Kaos Gay Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos GL) submitted the following:
  • According to Fundamental Rights Agency survey from 2015, discrimination on the grounds of gender identity was regarded as one of the most widespread forms of discrimination in Europe. It affects notably access to services, employment or health.
  • Gender identity emerges as a protected ground under international anti-discrimination law. UN Treaty Bodies and regional human rights systems consistently mention gender identity among the protected characteristics of anti-discrimination clauses. The same approach is followed through legislation or court practice in numerous European and other democratic societies. Gender identity is protected under Article 14, although the language used by the Court to date has been inconsistent. This area of jurisprudence would benefit from some clarity.
  • In Turkish law, discrimination in different fields is prohibited in different regulations and seen as a violation of rights. However, ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ are not explicitly protected in anti-discrimination law, leaving LGBTI people outside the scope of relevant legislation.

LGBTI ENLARGEMENT REVIEW 2017

This report reflects developments in LGBTI people’s rights in each accession country since October 2016, in particular in reference to recommendations identified by the European Commission in last year’s Enlargement Reports, as well as highlighting the key priorities that LGBTI organisations have identified for the coming year. As human rights more broadly, and the human rights of LGBTI people more specifically, continue to hold an ever stronger position among the Copenhagen Criteria accession countries are required to meet prior to becoming eligible for admission into the EU, this report is intended to assist the European Commission in assessing the progress made in each country to date, and providing clear guidance on reforms or measures that still need to be taken. In turn, the Enlargement Reports issued by the European Commission are a key tool used by LGBTI organisations in the region to engage with their governments and hold them accountable for the commitments made.

Transgender rights in prison

(Application No. 10684/13), 31 March 2013 

Find Court’s communication here in French.

Find Court’s decision here. (Non-exhaustion of domestic remedies)

• The applicant, a trans prisoner, complained of the Turkish authorities’ failure to discharge their positive obligation under Article 8 (right to private life), by refusing to cover the costs of his gender reassignment.
• In their submission ILGA-Europe, together with TGEU, Kaos Gay Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos GL) and Counseling Center for Transgender People (T-Der) provided information on trans issues generally, focusing on the problems of trans people in prison, and bringing out the experience in other countries of the provision of trans specific healthcare in prison. 

This report, from 2001, maps the legal and social situation of lesbians and gay men in 13 candidate countries to EU accession.

Three years after the publication of the “Equality Report” on the situation of lesbians and gay men in the EU Member States, ILGA-Europe has produced the current report, “Equality for Lesbians and Gay Men – A Relevant Issue in the EU Accession Process”, with a view to filling the information gap regarding the situation for lesbians and gay men in the candidate countries. The report was produced as part of the project “Lesbian and Gay People in Candidate Countries to EU Membership”. 

All 13 accession countries are represented with individual reports: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. A further chapter presents the European Union’s legislation and policies that are relevant to the rights of lesbians and gays in the accession countries, policies which have developed very significantly in the recent past.