OTTAWA- As negotiations for a free-trade deal with Turkey progress, Mark Carney’s Canadian government has hesitated to publicly condemn the severe crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations in the country. Even as European nations including Germany and France strongly criticized Turkey’s actions, Canada refrained from directly addressing the issue.
Over the past week, Turkish authorities launched a heavy crackdown targeting various LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, detaining dozens of activists, raiding organizational offices, and targeting popular community spaces. Although same-sex activity is not illegal in Turkey, authorities have suppressed protests and blocked access to numerous social media accounts. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the investigation into suspects, associations, and businesses was intended to protect children, the family institution, and public order.
The European Union, alongside France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Iceland, issued a joint statement strongly condemning Turkey’s actions. The advocacy group ILGA-Europe, which reported that roughly 300 people have been arrested, urged international governments to speak out against the escalation.
When asked why Canada did not join the joint statement, Global Affairs Canada avoided giving a direct answer. While issuing a statement affirming general support for individual rights and freedoms, the department made no mention of Turkey. Avoiding public criticism on human rights issues in countries like China and Saudi Arabia reflects Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach, who maintains that closed-door discussions are more effective than lecturing nations from afar.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs accused the Canadian government of maintaining a double standard, pointing out its vocal criticism of Israel compared to its silence on Turkey. Talks for a free-trade agreement between Canada and Turkey formally launched last July, indicating that economic interests may be influencing Canada’s diplomatic restraint.
