Lambdaistanbul Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Solidarity Association has been active as a grass-roots organization since 1993. The association decided to gain official status by registering with the office of associations in May, 2006. However, shortly after the registration, the City Government of Istanbul launched a court case against Lambdaistanbul and asked for its closure. The City Government claimed that Lambdaistanbul was against Turkish civil code and was posing a threat to public morality. Although the prosecutor rejected the claims and concluded that there was no substantial reason to launch the case, the City Government appealed to the decision, and the issue was finally taken to court. The proceedings started in July 2007 at the Beyoglu 3rd Civil Court. The court appointed a legal expert on the case to help with the decision. Despite the legal expert’s report which clearly stated that there was no substantial reason to close down the association, the local court issued a verdict against Lambdaistanbul on May 29th, 2008 ordering its dissolution.

On June 24, 2008 the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. The hearing of the appeal will be held on November 25, 2008 at 9.40 am at the 7^th Civil Chamber of the Turkish Supreme Court in Ankara.

We invite all LGBT people and allies who believe in democracy, equality, and social justice to meet prior to the trial in front of the courthouse to protest the local court’s decision against Lambdaistanbul and to demand an overruling by the Supreme Court. We invite everyone to join us in speaking up against oppression and standing up for our right to organize that is not only recognized by the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms but is also secured under Turkish Constitution for all citizens.

Lambdaistanbul LGBT Solidarity Association