By John Q. Hosedrinker 
To combat Turkey’s declining birth rate, now at a record low of 1.48 children per woman, President Erdogan declared the “decade of the family” (2026-2035). This initiative follows previous pronouncements emphasizing the urgency of increasing the birthrate, which Erdogan views as a critical national security issue. His announcement coincided with a renewed attack on the LGBT community, which he characterized as a threat to traditional family values and national security. The government intends to actively counter what it perceives as a harmful LGBT agenda and degendering projects.
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Turkiye’s President Erdogan recently declared a population crisis within the country, a serious issue demanding attention and thoughtful solutions. His proposed solution, however, has sparked significant controversy and debate. Instead of addressing the underlying economic and social factors potentially contributing to the declining birth rate, he chose to blame the LGBT+ community, accusing them of enacting “fascism and oppression.”
This attribution immediately raises questions. The very idea of LGBT+ individuals somehow causing a national population decline seems illogical on its face. The notion that a minority group’s existence could single-handedly suppress the birth rate among the majority population stretches the boundaries of credibility.
It’s worth considering the larger context of Erdogan’s statement. His administration has faced intense criticism over its economic policies, which have resulted in a significant devaluation of the Turkish Lira and a severe cost-of-living crisis. These are serious issues that would directly impact citizens’ decisions regarding family planning; the financial strain of raising children in a time of economic uncertainty is a powerful factor.
One could argue that blaming the LGBT+ community serves as a convenient scapegoat, a distraction from the government’s own potential role in the crisis. By shifting the focus to a marginalized group, Erdogan may aim to consolidate support among segments of the population who hold negative views towards LGBT+ people. It’s a classic tactic employed by authoritarian regimes worldwide: find an enemy to deflect attention from internal failures.
The suggestion that LGBT+ rights and acceptance somehow hinder population growth seems particularly incongruous when considering other nations. Many countries with strong LGBT+ rights movements don’t necessarily experience similarly low birth rates. The issue of declining birth rates is a complex one with multiple contributing factors, including economic stability, societal shifts, access to education and healthcare, and evolving views on family structures. To reduce this multifaceted problem to the actions of a single community ignores a wealth of pertinent data and critical analyses.
In fact, attributing the falling birth rate solely to LGBT+ individuals ignores a range of other plausible reasons, including rising costs of living, healthcare concerns, and changing societal norms regarding family size. Economic hardship, particularly the current severe cost of living crisis in Turkiye, is a powerful disincentive for couples to have children. The sheer economic burden of raising a child in difficult circumstances may outweigh the desire for a large family for many individuals.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that, ironically, the very actions Erdogan’s government takes are often described as fascist and oppressive. By publicly declaring the LGBT+ community as the root cause of the problem, he is creating a new external enemy for his supporters, a convenient way to rally the base while simultaneously ignoring legitimate criticisms of his economic and social policies. This tactic diverts attention from fundamental issues such as economic instability and potentially perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
The international community observes such declarations with concern. These accusations of “LGBT fascism” not only lack evidence but also dangerously contribute to a climate of hostility and discrimination against a vulnerable population. This rhetoric is irresponsible and harmful, potentially stoking social unrest and further marginalizing an already vulnerable group.
Ultimately, addressing the issue of declining birth rates in Turkiye requires a comprehensive strategy that tackles economic hardships, promotes social inclusion, and respects the rights and dignity of all citizens. Attributing the problem to one specific community is not only simplistic but also potentially fuels hate speech and undermines the need for genuine solutions. The focus should remain on creating a supportive environment where individuals are empowered to make their own reproductive choices without the undue influence of discriminatory rhetoric and scapegoating.