by Rex Wockner
International News
A local Turkish court ordered the closure of the Lambda Istanbul Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite, Transsexual Solidarity Association on May 29, citing unspecified "errors and deficiencies" in its bylaws.
The case against the group was brought by the Istanbul governor's office, which argued that the group's name and objectives are against the law and offend society's "moral values and family structure." The court did not rule on that claim.
In response to the decision, Lambda said it will not cease activity and announced an appeal to the Court of Cassation.
The group has been in existence since 1993 and has been officially registered for two years.
"LGBT organizations that currently exist either in practice or as registered entities in Turkey are (being) pushed out of the legal domain," the group said in a statement. "Instead of accepting their existence and protecting their basic rights, the state authorities choose to condemn LGBT people, by depriving them of their right to association.
"We invite you to organize campaigns and demonstrations in your own area, in order to support our cause."
For more information, contact [email protected].
