Carney says Canada raised LGBTQ+ rights with Turkey during partnership talks

Istanbul, Turkey. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday that his delegation had discussed concerns about LGBTQ+ rights with Turkish officials during Thursday’s meetings. He said pursuing partnerships did not amount to endorsing another government’s policies.

Strategic partnership agreed

Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, Carney outlined Canada’s position after he and President Tayyip Erdogan agreed in Ankara to elevate relations to a strategic partnership. His trip marks the first bilateral visit by a Canadian leader to Turkey.

Carney has placed less emphasis on rights issues than previous Canadian prime ministers. He has maintained that dealing with governments Canada regards as violating rights does not signify support for their policies.

“There are very few countries in this world that have the standards of Canada … so that all Canadians can live their lives as they choose,” Carney said.

He said engagement allowed Canada to communicate its outlook and expectations directly to senior officials in those countries.

Rights concerns accompany visit

The visit coincides with Turkish authorities’ crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups, which the government describes as an effort to safeguard children and family values.

Rights organisations and some European officials have criticised Turkey’s campaign against the opposition, under way since 2024, as well as fresh arrests directed at the LGBTQ+ community since September.

The Turkish government maintains that courts operate independently and rejects allegations that political considerations drive investigations or legal proceedings.

During his stay in Turkey, Carney held no meetings with leaders representing LGBTQ+ organisations or human rights groups.