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‘Homosexuality is a disease’ says Turkish minister

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Sunday, March 7, 2010
ISTANBUL - Daily News with wires
State Minister Aliye Kavaf continues to make controversial comments on morals and values that raise reactions. Following her criticisms on the love scenes in Turkish soap operas, she shared her opinions on homosexuality and gay marriage. The state minister said she believes homosexuality is a biological disorder that requires treatment
State Minister Selma Aliye Kavaf. AA photo

State Minister Selma Aliye Kavaf. AA photo

The state minister responsible for the affairs of women and families has declared that she believes people who are gay are sick.

“I believe homosexuality is a biological disorder, a disease,” said S. Aliye Kavaf in an interview with the daily Hürriyet’s Sunday supplement. “I believe [homosexuality] is something that needs to be treated. Therefore I do not have a positive opinion of gay marriage.”

Kavaf said her ministry does not have an agenda for gay marriage and there is no demand for such a thing anyway. “We are not saying that there are no homosexuals in Turkey, these cases do exist” she said.

The comments come shortly after Kavaf was criticized last week for saying she is disturbed by love scenes in Turkish soap operas and that she believes they are inappropriate for Turkish family values.

“When reporters asked me about kissing scenes in ‘Aşkı Memnu’ (Forbidden Love) soap opera, I said: ‘In Europe [and] America that type of program is broadcast under control. They are encrypted, people who want to watch them buy them.’ But they crucified me by saying ‘Censor Minister seeks encryption,” Kavaf told Hürriyet.

During a speech at a foundation meeting last week, Kavaf said: “Every day, scenes of an erotic nature are being broadcast freely on television, compromising family values.”

Kavaf said in the Hürriyet interview that she does not approve of broadcasting that is solely focused on ratings. “That scene may not be important for 45- to 50-year-old people in terms of degeneration, but it might have a different effect on children aged 4-10.”

After her attack on soap opera love scenes last week, many criticized the minister for trying to drawn strict borders around Turkish family values. Mehmet Güler, TV critic for the daily Habertürk, said if the definition of the appropriate Turkish person or family is “people who have built their whole lives on dignity, morals and justice and never think about betraying their spouses,” then he would have to ask if such people really exist and who would want to watch series that is boring.

Other criticisms against the minister included her seeming tolerance for violence. Kavaf provided fire for the canon in her Hürriyet interview. “I only watch ‘Kurtlar Vadisi’ (The Valley of Wolves). I do not know if it is wrong or right, but the messages offered in the show attract my attention,” she said. “Kurtlar Vadisi” is a popular soap opera about mafia and “deep state” affairs in which scenes of murder and torture are common.

Also in the same interview, Kavaf said she is the first female deputy and minister ever from the province of Denizli, which has its good and bad sides. Kavaf said she was raised in a home where politics was discussed a lot. “I was in university when I started to be interested in politics,” Kavaf said. “Margaret Thatcher was the prime minister of Britain. I liked Thatcher, the Iron Lady.”


 

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Guest - Amsterdam
2010-07-21 17:38:30
  And once more it becomes strikingly clear that Turkey is absolutely not ready to join the European Union...
  

Guest - anthony
2010-04-10 08:59:06
  Family values: like beating your wife for cheating. Abusing your children, who are not people, but your property. Lets look at 'traditional' values. Is it my business being a foreigner. Darn right, people are people. Tradition marriage: A contract which the women had no say in. Women were property. It was used to strengthen ties between countries, realms not for love. It legitimized royal lineage and not much more. We should stay with traditions: stoning people, no divorce, handing off your children to a male to suit your purpose, hence the father "giving" away the bride, just like I can 'give' my neighbor my horse or cow. Love traditionalists when they only observe parts of traditions that are convenient. Gay MARRIAGE, Destroying the sanctity of marriage and family values, hell you don't need the gays for that. The str8's have done a great job, 5 hour marriages, multiple marriage, no child support, abuse....all by the good wholesome straight people.
  

Guest - dem dem
2010-03-11 21:48:53
  you make me sick mrs kavaf
  

Guest - Daria
2010-03-10 01:57:00
  I'm bisexual and I too think there's a biological element to it, I just don't see what is the big deal about what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their bedroom. Then again, monkeys engage in homosexual sex for their personal pleasure so it musn't be all that "unnatural". Disorder or not, it's by far more "natural" than some 70 year old Afghan warcheif "marrying" a 10 year old girl and molests her or some pedo in Pakistan with some spare cash yiffing a little boy. So, let gays marry - so they'll be just as miserable as straight people and stupid ministers mind their own business and improving the welfare of their state like they're supposed to. A political possition is not meant for blurting whatever dumb thought comes to your mind.
  

Guest - Psychology Grad
2010-03-09 16:50:47
  @Science Yes, homosexuality was considered to be a psychological disorder. But it was REMOVED from the DSM in 1973. The only manuals that still consider it to be a disorder are the DSM-1 and the DSM-II. DSM-III and DSM-IV have since removed it from their manuals therefore your explanation is completely wrong. It is not a disease, it is not a sin, it is not anything. It is the way someone was born, and it is the way someone can freely live their life. You are not to be the judge, if you really believe that it is a sin/disease, then let it take it's course. You have no reason to pay any attention to it at all.
  

Guest - Viggo
2010-03-09 13:36:41
  @ Zahir. You state: "Homosexuality must be discouraged. So called western freedom is what catalyzed it". Homosexuality, I believe, has always existed, long before "western feedom". Without having first hand experience, I have still heard that it takes place in the East of Turkey, a region which only to a very limited extent been influenced by the immoral "western freedom" which you seem to despise so much. My personal view is, let people do what they want and and let them live a life that they want and which makes them happy, as long as you dont harm anyone else.
  

Guest - Lanterne Rouge
2010-03-09 11:16:30
  @Science, Realism, Reflection or whatever pseudonym you may post under in future. I am one of those CELTA teachers you so disparage, though I do think I have at least a sufficient command of English to help my Turkish students, having a Masters degree from Cambridge University and having worked as a lawyer for 10 years prior to settling in Turkey with my (Turkish) wife. Of course there are teachers of varying quality throughout the world, though my humble experience is that this seldom depends on their formal education and more on their attitude to teaching. You are more than entitled to express your withering criticisms of the myriad ills of the EU, England and America. There are few educated people from the States or the UK who wouldn’t accept there are many serious problems in their respective socieites. Turkey is a wonderful country but yes it too has its problems. I choose to be here because I love the country but that doesn’t mean I think it is %100 perfect any more than I think the UK is. So why shouldn’t foreign visitors and permanent residents be free to express their comments on those problems? Like David, I submit to Turkish laws, pay taxes and contribute to Turkey’s economy. I am free to comment on what I see here, good and bad. This is not “interfering”, it is just engaging in civilised discourse. Such discourse may even make society a little better whereas stifling debate and questioning the legitimacy of a person’s right to express an opinion does nothing to address the topic at hand. Let’s debate the issues, not attack individuals for having an opinion. Resorting to arguments like “if you don’t like it, why don’t you go home” is bringing the debate down to playground level. PS, you may want to look at how you use the word “infer” :)))
  

Guest - NOT OUR EC VALUES
2010-03-09 10:38:59
  We do not share Turkey’s values in the EC. We do not wish to see a state that mistreats its population and animals to enter our community. We are against homophobia and pro gay marriage. The State Minister Aliye Kavaf is leading Turkey in the wrong direction. Petition against Turkish EC membership; http://www.petitiononline.com/euro2/petition.html
  

Guest - Zahir
2010-03-09 09:33:44
  I agree, it's a disease, call it mental, social, and to many like religious. Homosexuality must be discouraged. So called western freedom is what catalyzed it and now we have horrible social implications around the world. If this goes on, soon this homos will be a big chunk of the suicide-class. Those of you support, even they're not homos are to be blamed even more and of course they remain ignorant.
  

Guest - 7 Hills
2010-03-09 09:15:25
  Sorry people.. the minister is late in her crusade against one spouse cheating on the other spouse and homosexuality or men having sex with other men. In this part of the world, it is common for married men to have affairs with other men, and women of course, and keep it a secret from their wives. It is very common for men to seek out other men for sex. The difference between here and other places in the world is, many of these men are keeping it a secret. Many of these men would prefer to be with a man, but because of family pressure are forced to marry. They marry, but don't change their desires or stop being with other men. I won't add anymore information to this because the rest of the story can be very ugly. Sorry.. it's a fact. It was also reported in the HDN that in the Anatolian, it is normal for a man to have his first sexual experience with an animal. Maybe she should include this in her crusade for family and moral values. These animals have no say in who will rape them.
  

Guest - Darren T.
2010-03-09 01:14:57
  As long as a person like this holds a position of power, Turkey should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to join the EU. There is no room for this kind of prejudice and simple-mindedness among enlightened, freedom loving nations. Turkey, keep Aliye Kavaf and your 'family values...and please keep them far away from my European Union. We don't need your ilk and would rather you continue to dwell in your own primitive society.
  

Guest - Gigglefish
2010-03-09 01:08:46
  Wow! There are a lot of stupid, homphobic people commenting on this site. For one thing, if gays are only 5% of the population anyway, how is that going to affect your heterosexual families? People who talk about 'family values' are just really small minded, fearful bigots who desperately need to look down on people. Shame on you all and a pox on your houses. My sister is a lesbian and a better person than many of you simpletons will ever be! Losers!
  

Guest - Me
2010-03-08 22:06:12
  FYI Did you know that in Turkey you are only homosexual if you are on the receiving end of the sex act? Yes, if you are on the giving end it doesn't mean you are homosexual, it just means that you wanted sex and their wasn't a woman, donkey or other option available. When I heard this I laughed and laughed. People have no right to judge others. It is only God's right to judge. The only reason I make comments at the TDN site is because even though I am a foreigner who doesn't live permanently in Turkey, I love the country with a passion and would love to see more people come to Turkey and enjoy it as much as I do. The more religion plays a role in peoples' "moral" judgements, the less attractive Turkey is as a vacation destination.
  

Guest - Viggo
2010-03-08 19:24:52
  @Science aka Reflection. It is sad to see your approach to life, Turkey and other people in this world. You obviously have problems with pretty much everything which is not inline with your view of the world. That can be seen in how you try to silence other people by being rude. You obviously are looking down on people in general, you do not like gays, you do not democracy, you you do not like foreigners and despice people with a more humble background. As I wrote in teh beginning, very sad and unpleasant to see such a view of fellow people in Turkey and the world.
  

Guest - Mark
2010-03-08 19:21:05
  @ Ripon - HIV and AIDS do not discriminate and neither should you! It is not a disease for homosexuals, and was actually discovered in prison populations first. This was followed by a small outbreak behind the then 'iron curtain'. This disease is man made. Homosexuality is not a man-made disease, it is a condition of the human being, it is perfectly normal and acceptable if you choose not to be a bigot.
  

Guest - Hayuhi
2010-03-08 18:16:44
  If she thinks that homosexuality is a disease,just what methods is she going to use in order to "cure" it?I very much hope that she does not have stonning in mind?
  

Guest - Reflection
2010-03-08 16:07:44
  Regarding teaching, a profession that we, I assume all value highly, I must point out I was referring to unqualified individuals who merely speak english, might I add not very well, who come here as tourists and end up 'teaching' with no knowledge on that matter. TEFL and CELTA 4-week courses do NOT qualify one to teach, well maybe according to the standards in western countries, but that's another matter all together which would be, for you own sake, best left alone. As to the other comments I have made, read them again, with glasses if required. I am done with this conversation, you have not shed any light on the subject of this article. Your prating about western democracy falls on cynical ears in most regions of the world. The type of democracy your brought to irak for example. 'Crime once exposed has no refuge except audacity'- Tacitus
  

Guest - Enverulli
2010-03-08 16:00:02
  She should try it....She might just like it! Also, is Idiocy is a desease too???
  

Guest - viggo
2010-03-08 15:33:11
  @Science (2010-03-08 12:29:00) Are you suggesting that foreigners also have to share the opinion that homosexuality is a disease, but in other ways are not allowed to have any opinions on matters in the country? Do you also suggest then, in the name of reciprocity, that when Turks go abroad, they are not allowed to have nor share opinions and have to share all aspects of the hosting country? Rather extreme views I must say. You can not even see such extreme regulation even in the countries with the most limited freedoms in the world. And then you go on and imply that the ones which in your view are working as teachers (a job you obviously think does not deserven any respect) are even less entitiled to have an opinion. So I just wonder, are there other professions that are on this list of yours which will strip the individuals their basid rights? Again, most unpleasant views you are housing, Science.
  

Guest - Ripon
2010-03-08 15:16:08
  Agree with her all the way, stuff like that on television should be strictly controlled these days pornography is widespread especially on the internet and we cannot allow our children to be exposed to these types of things to be allowed ie. in the States. Homosexuality truly is a disease because it will lead to an increase on diseases which is high among homosexuals, because of this act AIDS is now widespread as the first outbreak of AIDS was discovered among homosexuals. Family values must be protected in a country like Turkey.
  

Guest - Afacan
2010-03-08 14:52:23
  One of the worst disorders to treat is ignorance, and the way I see, this lady needs a very urgent theraphy. This kind of people are shoking, it's like they just came from Middle Ages and someone gave them a microphone...
  

Guest - Eol
2010-03-08 14:49:45
  Yes I agree with state minister. Homosexuality is a biological and behavioral disorder. I don't care if DSM IV classified it as a disorder or not. It's a disease and needs to be treated. And bye the way she is very right about the rating of the TV programming. It has to be comply with the family values and social norms of the audience.
  

Guest - Realism
2010-03-08 14:18:54
  It appears david that you attempted to distort the comment related to hospitality. The idea was, to keep your nose out of Turkish internal affairs. If your country, as you put it, is so very advanced, why then I wonder, are you here at all. Also, it may be prudent at this point to ask, where exactly do you come from? Why do you not return to the sinking ship, otherwise known as the EU, United States and attempt to remedy their issues. Stones and glass houses. This is what it boils down to. As to your comment regarding hospitality and the limits I mentioned, this was related to interference. As far as people different to us, I do suggest you take a look at the ethnic make up of this country. And the history of it. As an example, where can you find christian communities which can trace their history directly to the communities where jesus did his thing. Here, in Turkey and the middle east. How does that happen if the people of this region have allergies to anything different? Where are the historic muslim communities of say, Spain, France, Italy etc..? You get my drift? A brief, objective look at history would have saved you the time of thinking up your comments. Also, sadly enough, it appears you have not read DSM. A quick google search does not infer knowledge on a topic matter. In the meantime, I do suggest as I did earlier, keep your noses out of Turkish politics. Keep yourself content with the lifestyle you have come to enjoy here. Leave the rest to the Turks, we are more than able to deal with our affairs. And this is all for the day. Read folks, the truth is indeed out there.
  

Guest - Dr Gill
2010-03-08 14:08:41
  In 1952, when the American Psychiatric Association published its first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), homosexuality was included as a disorder.İn 1973, in recognition of the scientific evidence,[63] the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the DSM . The research and clinical literature demonstrate that same-sex, sexual and romantic attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal variations of human sexuality. Nations in the world have diversity of behaviour in dealing with this situation.İt depends upon 1.)the opinion of the living majority, 2.)theire social customs and 3.)relegious belief. One should accept it with open heart and while expressiıng one,s views one must always be ready to listen to the person wıth difference of opinıon. Tükiye is %99 Muslim majorıty nation and statement of ıts Mınister is just the reflection of the ruling Party and its Muslim majority.
  

Guest - David. S
2010-03-08 14:03:23
  @Science. The APA do not state implicitly that homosexuality is a disorder, in either the DSM or Guidelines. Those that cover sexual or gender disorders accept it as a biological fact and simply seek to discuss its root....but not with a "cure" in mind. As for your comments on foreigners, I have a business here, I pay taxes here, I obey the laws here and I have every right to comment on any area of life I wish to, it is you sir, that have no right to dictate what we can or cannot do. When I look at my own country I see an acceptance of homosexuality far in advance of that seen here......but then perhaps your "hospitality" doesn't stretch to anyone different from you. This minister's comments display an ignorance seen only in the third world, perhaps she might seek a position there rather than in a country aspiring to join the EU.
  

Guest - scepticalyabanci
2010-03-08 13:55:22
  Science...it is very easy to find some or other right wing think tank in the US who claim, despite all genuine research and proofs to the contrary, that homosexuality is a disease, or that the world is flat, or that Obama is an alien from the planet zargo, and all manner of other nonsense. You really should not allow some misguided sense of national pride to direct you towards criticizing 'foreign friends' who point out here that the minister is a bigot whose views are likely to do great harm to gay people whose lives are already hard enough in an illiberal and intolerant society like Turkey. In refusing to accept constructive criticism, you and all too many of your compatriots are pretty much as intolerant as the minister herself.
  

Guest - wolf
2010-03-08 13:43:30
  It is very sad to see that a public person makes this kind of statement. It is clear that she has problems with letting people make other choices than the ones she preferes. Why can we not just try to accept other people as they are, instead of interfering. Below I can also see that Hover thinks that this a "danger" since it can threaten "familly values". My advice would be to Hover, you can set up your familly and be happy with that, but DO NOT force other people to live the way you want. Let people do what they want for Gods sake! And, I am not gay, I just want people to be happy in their own ways, not being forced by some old fashioned ideas of moral values.
  

Guest - ted
2010-03-08 13:20:07
  state minister selma kevaf is right ....homosexuality is a disorder.and people must accept this truth. Abstinance is the best remedy for this disorder.
  

Guest - tuppes
2010-03-08 13:18:13
  She should go for treatment against Turkish Family Values
  

Guest - SydneyGuy
2010-03-08 13:06:08
  omg! Dark ages indeed! I think this minister had a biological disorder.. Its called internal and external acute ugliness.
  

Guest - Hover
2010-03-08 12:56:34
  Not all diseases are acquired. There are plenty of illnesses one can be born with, such as epilepsy, sugar diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Batten's disease, etc. Some are treatable, some are not. Sexual urges can, however, be controlled if you put your mind to it. No doubt homosexuality can in some cases be traced to a hormonal imbalance. In this case it may well be, as the lady says, treatable. Whether one chooses to be homosexual or not, the issue in the West at least is of propaganda. Homosexuality is being promoted as a valid lifestyle, "civil partnerships" have been introduced which are regularly referred to by the media as "marriage", and homosexuals have recently been given the right to have the services associated with these in churches. In some circumstances (adoption of children, for example) the homosexual lifestyle is an actual benefit to the potential adopter, because political correctness insists that so-called "minorities" are given precedence over the norm. That is where the big danger lies and this is being promoted actively by the E.U. as a deliberate attempt to undermine traditional marriage and families.
  

Guest - Dutch
2010-03-08 12:48:28
  There is a lot of evidence which supports that homosexuality is genetic. It's funny though, because by using rhetoric like this (you know, not having a medical background, which enables you to state any untrue fact as your opinion or belief) you can for instance also claim that you believe that women are slightly more stupid than men.... just saying... one could believe such things.
  

Guest - Science
2010-03-08 12:29:00
  It is interesting in the extreme to have seen such ill informed views being expressed here. I will attempt to keep this purely objective, so here it goes. According to the American Psychiatric Association of Washington, homosexuality is a curable psychiatric disorder which can be cured. This is outlined categorically in their publication entitled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, otherwise known as the DSM journals. You will find among other issues, Gender Identification and related disorders, also, there is a section which deals with mythomania, which I presume, applies to many of the postings one finds on such blogs. Also, I do suggest to our foreign friends on this forum, to take a look at your home countries and stop meddling in the affairs of Turkey, you need to back up and respect the hospitality you have been shown in this country which DOES have limits, it is neither your business nor your right to interfere in our politics. You either have no education or were unemployed before you came here, and probably found a job as an english teacher even though you cannot teach, and now believe you have a few things to say about Turkey. Ease up, there does exist a little saying about stones and glass houses.
  

Guest - Mariner
2010-03-08 11:58:02
  IGNORANT MINISTER MUST RESIGN IMMEDIATELY!!!
  

Guest - diladi
2010-03-08 11:54:45
  about kissing in television soap operas or other programmes...really has she ever travelled abroad to EU or USA....???? well i think she should travel more...to open little bit her mind orizons...and study and read more also ...all that helps in mental sanity....
  

Guest - Diladi
2010-03-08 11:44:11
  Even if it is a disease as medicine does not exist yet, gay people have the right to have the same possibilities as the rest of the people ( see costitution- all people is equal in front of the low) that means that they have the right to be married.... In a a democratic state does not matter what a minister thinks. But do matters what a minister is doing for serving the low and the people.
  

Guest - Brian
2010-03-08 11:24:27
  Cahil yabanci, you are correct of course but she is not REALLY talking about the kissing scenes, she is really talking about the whole situation of the affair. You see, in Turkey, everyone is very faithful to their partners, and if they watch this series they might all run out the door and have affairs themselves. The minister does not want to see this situation happen in Turkey. She wants all the faithful marriages to remain faithful. You see, the Turkish people are in fact not adults, they are only children and they will believe and copy everything they see on TV. I hear they are also considering banning "Superman" in case people put on underpants outside their trousers and a red cape and then jump out the window and try to fly!
  

Guest - Cenk
2010-03-08 09:34:45
  Comments like these are actually improving homosexuality. It starts a debate in a country where they not talk much about it.
  

Guest - Sandpiper
2010-03-08 08:28:35
  Such opinions do not help the image of the AKP, they are archaic, non scientific and appear "cahil", back to university Turkish Iron lady
  

Guest - cahil yabanci
2010-03-08 07:44:42
  I'm an American, and yeah, our television shows commonly have kissing. That's not an issue with anyone. Degrees of nudity and sex are also not all that uncommon for adult-oriented shows. I'm not sure if she was using a euphemism by saying "kissing scenes", or if it's something to do with the translation, but offhand that seems like a really minor issue to be addressing.
  

Guest - Scott Johnson
2010-03-08 06:55:21
  Did the minister receive her degree from the University of Dark Ages reasoning?
  

Guest - wolf
2010-03-08 06:38:32
  I think this comment was a big mistake. Probably at the same level as our PM's "Sudan-Muslims-Can-not-Commit-Suicide" and his latest outrage against columnists. When foreign press start dwelling into this, and I think they will, it certainly will not present Turkey in a very favorable way. Ang gay-people are (rightfully) very concerned with equal rights and treatment in EU and US, so I am sure they will create noise around this.
  

Guest - Aras
2010-03-08 06:37:04
  Everything that goes against the nature of things and the moral values is not normal. Beside the moral values, there are other devastating consequences of homosexuality such the affect on the production of human race, the break up of family norms and the spread of deceases. Even animals recognize that sexual acts are only to be conducted with the opposite sex. Therefore, it is an abnormal and immoral behaviour similar to other indecent sexual acts such as incest and child molestations. Furthermore, this immoral act is going way beyond of been a private sexual affair. Behind this shameful and strictly sexual act, there is a movement with political agenda that promotes to bring it in the open and force everyone to accept them. They even go as far as desecrating the sacred marriage laws that existed since the creation. Now if this was only about a personal choice of a private sexual matter, regardless of how sick it is, then there is no need to throw it on the face of the general public to force everyone agree with them. So, if we accept this as a matter of personal freedom, then one day we might be faced with child molesters and incest freaks forcing us to accept them as well and demand that we change our laws to accommodate their sick needs. I can see special interest individuals and groups, particularly those foreigners who just hate Turkey, love to take a shot at Turkey and the moderate AKP government at every opportunity they get. They especially find it convenient to attack, whenever this government try to do something good, and bring about the needed political or social changes.
  

Guest - mk
2010-03-08 06:31:39
  This prohibited practice has appeared in many societies throughout history. The Qur'an specifically mentions Prophet Lot's (pbuh) tribe, who was well known for this custom. Prophet Lot (pbuh), an esteemed prophet who believed fully in our Lord and possessed the proper moral values and resignation to God, called on his tribe to fear (and respect) God, abandon their homosexuality, and live a life that would please Him. But they responded to his words with hostility. Due to their monstrous temerity and immorality, they fully merited our Lord's chastisement. As the Qur'an tells us, they met the following fate: And Lot, when he said to his tribe: "Do you commit an obscenity not perpetrated before you by anyone in all the worlds? You come with lust to men instead of women. You are indeed a depraved tribe." The only answer of his tribe was to say: "Expel them from your city! They are people who keep themselves pure!" So We rescued him and his family-except for his wife. She was one of those who stayed behind. We rained down a rain upon them. See the final fate of the evildoers! (Qur'an, 7:80-84) Just like some people today, his tribe sought to portray the sin of homosexuality as acceptable and justified. In fact, such an attitude is one of the causes for the present moral degeneration all over the world. Muslims, however, live according to God's decrees and thus must adopt Prophet Lot's (pbuh) attitude toward this sin.
  

Guest - Voltaire
2010-03-08 06:19:01
  Intellectual Obsolescence is also a disease. It is when your ideas stand still while facts and knowledge march on. Perhaps this lady should go in for a check-up.
  

Guest - brookshoca
2010-03-08 06:16:23
  She likes to see people killed, tortured and burned, but if they kiss? Censor that! I think that Ms. Kavaf needs to be encrypted- at least until she's had some therapy.
  

Guest - Dilara
2010-03-08 05:55:14
  She has always sparkles controversies by very spontaneous thoughts and am sure she regretted it afterwards. If homosexuality is a disease , why don"t she suggest a cure for it?
  

Guest - meral irfan
2010-03-08 01:50:54
  Shame on her!!! How irresponsible on the part of a political figure to utter such nonsense!! Where does she get her "scientific" information on Homosexuality??? Come join the american moral majority, they will love her!!! Certainly not a positive image for Turkey!! Dommage...
  

Guest - Murat
2010-03-08 01:50:14
  How about disorder?
  

Guest - scepticalyabanci
2010-03-08 00:46:29
  Statements like this from Government ministers legitimate the beliefs and activities of right wing maniacs in society who beat up and murder gay people and cut the throats of transsexuals, the latter as reported in this newspaper just last week. Given that Kavaf retains her position as a minister despite making statements like this, are we to conclude that AKP condones the opression and murder of members of minority groups?
  

Guest - Ali
2010-03-08 00:25:54
  This is sad. This woman should be removed from her government post, and denounced by her superiors lest she embarrass Turkey further. She prefers murder and torture to sex? She doesn't sound like much fun, and it sounds like she doesn't even know how ridiculous it sounds to prefer Kurtlar Vadisi -- on moral grounds! -- to a show with sex, be it straight or homosexual.
  

Guest - Justin
2010-03-08 00:19:38
  This is really sad. Turkey needs to take this woman out of her government position lest she embarrass the country any more.
  

Guest - Marcus
2010-03-07 23:29:27
  I got so chocked from the announcement of the Turkish State Minister Aliye Kavaf that I sent the TDN article to the EU Commisson and also to the Governments of Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. It was a very, very, very long time ago you could read something like that coming from a minister from a country who wants to belong and join Europe. Not even the Turkish friend, President Bahir of Sudan, would utter something like that! I am still in a chock!
  

Guest - Marcus
2010-03-07 22:46:58
  Unbelievable! Is Turkey living in the time of Ottoman rule with Sharia law? Where are the modern ideas of Mustafa Kemal? I have forward this article to the new EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mrs Cecilia Malmström, a Swedish former minister of EU Affairs. I am sure sure she will take action being a strong supporter of Human Rights. Once again, the AKP islamistic government of Turkey has proved that Turkey will not fit into a European community.
  

Guest - Steve J
2010-03-07 22:33:35
  I partly agree with the minister on programming. I have 2 young children and monitor their viewing. My main concerns are inappropriate advertising of violent and non G rated shows prior to 8pm. A rating at the start of a program should be sufficient for viewer choice. eg.. This program is rated M(15+) and contains nudity, violence and sexual references... As for the gays, it appears homophobia is alive and well in Turkey.
  

Guest - NV
2010-03-07 22:29:32
  This is yet another signal that Turkey is not serious about joining the EU and that everything that has been done until now has been a facade. Are these the values that Turkey wishes to contribute to the European Union? There are many serious issues that beg for reform in Turkey, and such backward opinions regarding homosexuality and soap operas are the least of Turkey's worries. Honor killings and support of organization that offer assistance to women and children suffering abuse are two that instantly come to mind.
  

Guest - Juglul
2010-03-07 22:25:59
  Turkey is not sick like the other Western / European Countries, it’s surly the emerging leader of The New Middle-East.
  

Guest - GIORGOS K
2010-03-07 20:28:07
  So when Greeks or other Europeans read such rasist statements from turkish politicians and then support that Turkey is a muslim non european old-fashioned country ...is it their fault?
  

Guest - USAUSA
2010-03-07 20:27:39
  I didn't know homosexuality is a disease. So we can catch it like the H1N1 virus? Actually bigotry and religious intolerance is a disease, because you can certainly catch that (like this woman has), but you are born with your sexual identity. You can no more choose to be gay than you can choose to be straight. This is a shameful and disgusting comment and this pathetic woman should lose her job, along with Erdogan and the rest of the religious fanatics of AKP. Inshallah!
  

Guest - alice
2010-03-07 20:25:36
  I agree with what "Me" said. the newspapers here bother me a lot more than the TV programing. There is a real problem with the printed material in Turkey. I do not support gay marriage, but her statements about gays needing biological help seem opinion/fear oriented; not back up by any real scientific fact.
  

Guest - Jenghiz
2010-03-07 20:17:48
  Minister Kavaf's behaviour is indicative of why the AKP is so out of touch and backwards
  

Guest - peter
2010-03-07 19:34:36
  There are studies after studies that show that homosexuality is not a decease but something people are born with. If this lady thinks is a decease then she may know of a treatment to cure it. That would help millions who are struggling to accept who they are in societies where they are not accepted. However some lines have to be drawn somewhere. Widespread guy marriages and homosexual families will change the current marriage values and make things very confusing.
  

Guest - donha
2010-03-07 18:50:13
  Sack this lady. There is no way in the world that Turkey is going to be part of the EU with this sort of throwback in service.
  

Guest - Karmenu of Malta
2010-03-07 18:43:16
  Nothing is to be gained by calling homosexuality a disease or otherwise. The facts are two: heterosexuals exist, and homosexuals exist. The inevitable conclusion is that we should refrain from irritating each other. Homosexual people should not insist on calling their amorous unions 'marriages'. For one thing, the idea of marriage, as entrenched in the mind of the vast majority of the population is entirely different. If they are insisting on the word 'marriages' because of legal rights, then they should start be formulating their own legal code and submitting it for consideration by the state machinery. Life is too short for futile confrontations; so let us not get entangled in nomenclature.
  

Guest - Ihsan
2010-03-07 17:58:33
  We know from research that people that object to homosexuality fiercely are most likely themselves homosexuals. There is nothing wrong with homosexuality and noone has the right to say they are sick. Do homosexuals suggest heterosexuals are sick? This is another sad day for Turkish politics.
  

Guest - 7 Hills
2010-03-07 17:43:06
  Everyone is entitled to an opinion but people with her type of position are dangerous. Most medical/psychological professionals seem to have a different opinion than hers on homosexuality. We don't have to like it. Her opinions about serials is just her narrow minded opinion. Maybe the shows that show people kissing should be on after midnight or something so those people that don't watch what their children are watching will be covered. She is interested in the messages in Kurtlar Vadisi but not the messages in Aşkı Memnu. Does that tell you anything about her? What happens in Aşkı Memnu is about human behavior and maybe it does not have to be right, but it happens. There are a lot of spouses betraying the other spouse in the world and here is no different. Human behavior; man woman kissing vs men murdering and torturing others. Think about the one that interests her and tell me what is wrong with this picture.
  

Guest - RationalThinker
2010-03-07 17:33:42
  Based on her own theory, apparently, the honorable State Minister has pronounced homosexuality as a "disease," and now spreads her ignorance and hatred of gays to others through her political office. She should be more concerned with the "biological disorder" of honor killings in her country, especially after the most recent story about the young girl who was buried alive. Gay people are the least of her worries--but they are always a convenient target.
  

Guest - cemyboy
2010-03-07 17:23:13
  I am not Homosexual but this is a dissgrace I think believing in a God and covering up is a dissece can we ban that please! Retarts this governenment is realy starting to piss me off what happened to freedom.
  

Guest - Me
2010-03-07 17:16:42
  These kinds of prgrams are not "encrypted" in the US!!!!!! Those programs show full frontal nudity and are sexual in nature. I don't believe I remember any nudity in these programs. PLUS, I don't ever recall an American newspaper of any quality showing a topless celebrity on it's cover--ever. This is a common occurence in Turkey and these newspapers are on display in every bakal and boat station all over town. If you are concerned with what children see, then this should be a bigger concern. Homosexuality is not a "disease". It is a genetic annomally perhaps. Who would choose to be this way, or if sick, not seek treatment. More "neighborhood pressure" on people. Freedom to live as you choose should be available to every Turk.
  

Guest - Nelson
2010-03-07 16:32:09
  State Minister Aliye Kavaf 's statement is very irresponsible. There is no medical or scientific evidence that homosexuality is a disease.
  

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