As Türkiye Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Community, CIJA Questions Canada’s Troubling Double Standard
Ottawa, ON – September 16, 2026 – On the same week Global Affairs Canada concludes consultations on a potential free trade agreement with Türkiye and as Turkish President Erdoğan orders police to arrest leaders of the LQBTQ community, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs released the following statement:
Canadians deserve an answer to this troubling double standard.
After meeting Turkish President Erdoğan in July, Prime Minister Carney said Canada’s foreign policy would be guided by strategic interests, not “lecturing countries from afar.”
Yet since then, Canada has repeatedly censured Israel and last week announced new trade sanctions targeting Israel. Meanwhile, Türkiye is carrying out a sweeping crackdown on its LGBTQ+ community. Police have detained dozens, raided LGBTQ+ organizations and gay bars, blocked websites and launched proceedings involving 162 individuals.
On the same week that Prime Minister Carney addresses the European Parliament, the EU Parliament condemned Türkiye for failing to uphold its “international commitments on non-discrimination.”
Yet Foreign Minister Anita Anand has not publicly addressed Türkiye’s crackdown—even as Global Affairs Canada consults with Canadians, including the 2SLGBTQI+ community, as it explores a free trade agreement with Türkiye.
Why is the Canadian government hostile when it comes to Israel, but not using its economic and diplomatic leverage with Türkiye, which has occupied Cyprus for more than 50 years —even as Canada’s European allies speak out?
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