Turkey's president criticized the Eurovision Song Contest, accusing it of promoting 'gender neutralization' and undermining traditional family values. Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to participants as 'Trojan horses of social corruption' and defended Turkey's absence from the competition since 2012.
The recent win by Swiss singer Nemo, who identifies as nonbinary, with the song 'The Code' was highlighted as an example of the contest's alleged promotion of nontraditional gender identities. Erdogan's government, rooted in Turkey's Islamic movement, has taken a stance against LGBTQ rights in recent years.
Erdogan expressed concerns about the impact of events like Eurovision, claiming they make it difficult to encounter 'normal' individuals. He reiterated his belief that Turkey's decision to stay out of the competition was justified.
In addition to his criticism of Eurovision, Erdogan raised alarm over Turkey's declining birth rates, labeling it an 'existential threat' and a 'disaster.' Recent statistics revealed a drop in the country's birth rate to 1.51 children per woman in 2023.
The president has long advocated for larger families, urging Turkish citizens to have at least three children to address the demographic challenge. Erdogan's remarks reflect his government's conservative stance on social issues and its emphasis on traditional family values.
