Hakan Gecim [Kaos GL]: "The organization I am working for, Kaos GL, based in Ankara, Turkey, faced a demand for closure from Ankara's deputy governor, Selahattin Ekmenoglu, in 2005. The closure petition was dismissed by prosecutors. Homosexuality has never been a crime in Turkey, and some clubs, cinemas and LGBTT organizations in big cities openly cater to homosexuals. Freedom of expression and freedom of association are enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, which Turkey has ratified as a member of the Council of Europe.

These positive developments are unfortunately not enough. We now have a good reason to realize this fact.

Coincidently on May 20, 2008, Human Rights Watch issued a 123-page report, "We Need a Law for Liberation: Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights in a Changing Turkey", after conducting more than 70 interviews over three years. They have concluded that Turkey has yet to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that conforms to EU standards.

As indicated numerous times in the past in any countries where LGBTT people are fighting for their rights, "visibility breeds violence."

It is really unfortunate that the court found the association's name in violation of public morality and they want Lambda Istanbul to take out the words lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transvestites – but what is our purpose then?

Just like indicated on Lambda Istanbul's statement, we will appeal against the decision to a higher court and take it from there. But in the mean time Lambda Istanbul will continue to function."