Turkish Cypriot court’s historic statement on pride parade day

Nicosia — As the calendars mark the 17th of May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the historic court case concerning hate speech against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) individuals was heard before Judge Jale Dizdarlı Ergüden in Nicosia’s Turkish Cypriot District Court in breakaway northern Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus is a self-proclaimed authority established after the Turkish Cypriot withdrawal from the Republic of Cyprus following Turkey’s intervention in response to the Greece-backed coup d’état. In 2014, Northern Cyprus abolished the penalty for homosexual relationships, a remnant of British colonial law. Unlike Turkey, Turkish Cypriots have implemented anti-discrimination laws prohibiting discrimination and hate speech based on sexual orientation, ensuring equal treatment in workplaces and public spaces.

The case concerns statements made by Himmet Turgut, president of the unpopular KIBTES union, which contained hate speech against LGBTI+ individuals and were published in 2021. These statements were evaluated during a trial held in Nicosia District Court.

During the hearing, Judge Jale Dizdarlı Ergüden reminded the court that hate speech is a crime defined in the Penal Code and that Himmet Turgut’s statements might be considered hate speech. Judge Ergüden emphasized that the concept of family does not only consist of a man and a woman and can be interpreted broadly in our changing world. The next hearing of the case was scheduled for 20 June.

On the same day, the Turkish Cypriot LGBTI+ pride parade took place, starting from north Nicosia’s Dereboyu Avenue and proceeding to the local parliament. The parade concluded with an after-party at Hoi Polloi cafe, a well-known and popular spot, especially among tourists who cross to the northern side on foot, located in the old walled part of northern Nicosia.

Well-known public figures, including Nicosia Turkish Municipality mayor Mehmet Harmancı, Hulusi Kilim, a young candidate for the European Parliament elections, and current member of the European Parliament and candidate Niyazi Kızılyürek, were in attendance.

Aside from Turkish Cypriots, the event also drew participation from Turkish settlers, Greek Cypriots, international students, and young people.

The bi-communal Cypriot pride parade initiated a few years ago, sees both Greek and Turkish Cypriots marching to the UN-controlled Buffer Zone to hold the pride event. In 2022, the bi-communal parade has been reported worldwide as it unites divided Cyprus and Nicosia in its Ledra Palace buffer zone. However, this year, the bi-communal parade is scheduled to take place in September.

The Turkish Cypriot Queer Cyprus and Greek Cypriot Accept Cyprus organizations were both co-awarded the European Citizen’s Prize by the European Parliament last year.