Turkish minister to sue opposition deputy over polygamy remarks

ISTANBUL / ANKARA

Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Şahin. AA Photo

A Turkish deputy has drawn fierce criticism for his verbal attack on Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Şahin, who said she will file a suit against main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Tunceli deputy Kamer Genç for the attack made during the parliamentary session April 25.

“I want to share with you that I will refer to jurisdiction the insults against me and the Anatolian women I represent, made by Kamer Genç under the roof of the Turkish Parliament yesterday,” said Şahin via Twitter today referring to Genç’s remarks saying she would likely be subjected to polygamy if the republic had not been established in Turkey. Şahin said the compensation she would demand would be used to fund a project by her ministry.

“If Atatürk did not establish this republic, would you occupy your position? What country’s citizen would you be? What number would you be among the wives of a sheik?” Genç told Şahin from his ranks April 25, Anatolia news agency reported.

Genç, known for his short-tempered personality and provocative remarks, said the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) wanted to avoid using Atatürk’s name for the statement marking the 98th year since the Battle of Çanakkale. However, his words shocked many female deputies present at the discussions.

Şahin slammed Genç, saying she considered his words indelicate as a woman and mother. “I am ashamed to be under the same roof as you,” Şahin said.

Deputy Speaker Güldal Mumcu, from the same party as Genç, also joined the criticisms. Mumcu, who was directing the session, submitted to vote a motion to reprimand Genç for violating Parliament’s statutes on courtesy.

Meanwhile, Parliament head Cemil Çiçek condemned Genç over his remarks late April 25. He also said he agreed with the decision of the General Assembly to reprimand to Genç.