ISTANBUL — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the launch of Turkey’s “Year of the Family” on Monday with an assault on the LGBTQ neighborhood and the announcement of measures to spice up delivery charges.
Citing the “historic reality {that a} sturdy household paves the best way for a powerful state,” Erdogan unveiled a collection of monetary measures to help younger households.
The president returned to themes he has espoused earlier than about LGBTQ individuals, together with the portrayal of the LGBTQ motion as a part of a international conspiracy aimed toward undermining Turkey.
“It is our frequent accountability to guard our kids and youth from dangerous tendencies and perverse ideologies. Neoliberal cultural tendencies are crossing borders and penetrating all corners of the world,” he instructed an viewers in Ankara. “They additionally result in LGBT and different actions gaining floor.
“The goal of gender neutralization insurance policies, during which LGBT is used as a battering ram, is the household. Criticism of LGBT is instantly silenced, identical to the official criticisms of Zionism. Anyone who defends nature and the household is topic to heavy oppression.”
Despite its low profile in Turkey, the LGBTQ neighborhood has emerged as one of many essential targets of the federal government and its supporters lately.
Pride parades have been banned since 2015, with these looking for to take part dealing with tear gasoline and police barricades. In latest years, in the meantime, anti-LGBTQ rallies have obtained state help.
Turning to the “alarming” decline within the inhabitants progress charge, Erdogan mentioned Turkey was “dropping blood” and recalled his 2007 demand that households have a minimum of three kids.
The president additionally pointed to individuals getting married later in life and rising divorce charges as causes for concern. Turkey’s annual inhabitants progress charge dropped from 2.53% in 2015 to 0.23% final 12 months.
“If we don’t take the required measures, the issue will attain irreparable ranges. In such an setting, inhabitants loss is inevitable,” he added.
To fight the menace to the household, Erdogan revealed insurance policies equivalent to interest-free loans for newlyweds; improved financial allowances for the dad and mom of new-born kids; monetary, counseling and housing help to encourage new households; and free or low-cost childcare.
