Email Share 78 Shares

An Islamic extremist group has placed posters throughout the Turkish capital that call for the execution of those who engage in same-sex sexual activity.

LGBTI News Turkey on Tuesday posted to its website a picture of one of the posters from Young Islamic Defense on an Ankara street that says if “you see someone engaged in the dirty business of the tribe of Lot, kill the doer and the done both.” The slogan — which refers to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah — is below a picture of people waving rainbow flags during what appears to be a Pride celebration.

Kaos GL, a Turkish LGBT advocacy group, described the posters as “hate discourse.” The group is also considering legal action against them.

The posters appeared in Ankara less than two weeks after police used tear gas and water cannons against people who were taking part in Istanbul Pride.

LGBTI News Turkey on Wednesday reported that an Ankara prosecutor released two men who allegedly raped and robbed a prominent advocate in their home earlier this week. Police officers reportedly used homophobic slurs against the advocate when the incident was reported.

Advocacy groups have criticized President Recept Tayyin Erdogan for using anti-LGBT rhetoric ahead of last month’s elections in which his Justice and Development Party lost its majority in the Turkish Parliament. Kaos GL on its website said this “dangerous homophobic discourse during their parliamentary election campaign provoked hatred in a significant level.”

“Homophobic and transphobic hate groups have received the message that has become prominent with the government’s attack on [the Istanbul] Pride parade and has called for a massacre,” said the group.

A Turkish advocate who asked the Washington Blade to remain anonymous also expressed concern Young Islamic Defense and other Muslim groups will continue to threaten LGBT people in the country. The activist is particularly worried about the potential impact this rhetoric will have on transgender women.

“New acts like this seem dangerous, especially for activists and people who are out and vulnerable,” the advocate told the Blade.