Gays to be discharged from the army under new draft

ISTANBUL

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Gays will be discharged from the army as punishment for their "lifestyle choices," according to the new penalty regulation draft of the Turkish Armed Forces, daily Milliyet reported on Nov. 26.   

For the first time in Turkey’s history, homosexuality is clearly indicated as “unnatural imminence” in the military body’s draft.

LGBT associations have harshly criticized the new change, labeling it discriminatory and a violation of human rights as an individual’s personal life choice has nothing to do with their ability to perform military duties.

Other behaviors set to be punished with discharge under the new penalty regulation draft are murder, bribery, fraud and imprisonment for more than one year.

Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz is expected to introduce the draft regulation to the Cabinet today.