Consensus Reached Over Children, LGBT Rights

Turkey’s parliamentarian commission on constitution drafting reached a consensus over the recognition of all under 18 years old to be “children”. 

According to Hurriyet newspaper, the commission reached consensus over the prosecution of children without arrest. It was also envisioned that children will not be institutionalized under the same roof with adults in the status of arrest and conviction. 

“Under any circumstances, the superior interest of children will be prioritized. Children will be encouraged to take part in the decision-making process,” the article cited. 

On the other hand, a proposal made by pro-Kurdish BDP party on children’s right to “use their mother tongue” has been rejected.  

LGBT rights

The commission also held talks on the “equality” issue. According to the consensus, the “ban on the discrimination” against homosexual people will issued in the articles related to “equality”. 

Initially, opposition parties CHP and BDP were advocating to include the word “sexual orientation” - an expression objected by the governing AKP party. 

The commission reached a consensus to add the word “sexual orientation” in the detailed versions of the article. In addition, the following phrase has been added to the article: “The discrimination ban towards sexual orientation and sexual identity will be included in the detailed articles.”

Quota for women 

Another consensus has been reached on the “quota for women” issue. The following addendum has been placed to the original detailed article: “In order to establish equality between men and women in all aspects of the society, the government institutions pledge to cooperate with NGOs, especially with women organizations.” (YY/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.