Turkey's gays, transsexuals decry increasing homophobia
By Nicolas Cheviron (AFP) – 8 hours ago
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i_mI_smXF4WPvvhaQwkZqoC8ApXgISTANBUL — When Turkey's family affairs minister recently described homosexuality as a curable disease, she was roundly criticized for discrimination and flouting human rights.
But for activists her remarks only underscore what they say is increasing prejudice, discrimination and violence -- even from police -- against homosexuals and transgender people in this Muslim-majority country stuck between its conservative roots and flourishing modernism.
A total of 45 gays and transgender people were killed over three years in "hate murders", said Demet Demir, a transsexual and leading activist from Istanbul-LGBTT, a civic body promoting homosexual rights.
