17/03/2016 | Writer: Kaos GL

Apparel brand GAP’s Istanbul branch forced a gay staff member to resign, LGBTI organizations in the country made a joint statement to give support to the gay man’s legal struggle.

GAP Turkey branch forced a gay staff member to resign Kaos GL - News Portal for LGBTI+

Apparel brand GAP’s Istanbul branch forced a gay staff member to resign, LGBTI organizations in the country made a joint statement to give support to the gay man’s legal struggle.

A gay staff member in one of GAP’s Istanbul branches was confronted with homophobic pressure and forced to resign. The apparel brand, which supports equality based on sexual orientation in its International Diversity Policy, stood a trial today.

While the attorneys of GAP did not show up in the first trial, Attorney Eren Keskin of the young gay man requested that the witnesses be heard and the case is adjourned until June 7. Many LGBTI activists followed the case, too.

LGBTI organizations and activists made a joint statement explaining that the staff member had a high performance for 10 years and got many promotions in the international apparel brand.

The statement emphasized that once the sexual orientation of the staff is known, he had faced mobbing and sexist remarks such as “be a man”.

“We will keep claiming our rights even in a legal system of which current laws do not recognize us. We will continue with our legitimate struggle nationally and internationally, making our voices even louder.”


Tags: human rights, labour
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