# Why do authoritarian regimes target the LGBTQ+ community?

https://mins.news/en/item/59572

- DW, 2026-09-15 16:14 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/why-do-authoritarian-regimes-target-the-lgbtq-community/a-79276831?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Experts say Turkey’s latest raids, arrests and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ people reflect a broader regression in rights. Researchers argue that authoritarian governments often invoke protecting families and children to scapegoat LGBTQ+ communities, reinforce traditional family values and distract from other crises.

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- [Erdogan's Turkey cracks down on LGBT community in name of preserving family values](https://mins.news/en/item/63184) — Fox News, 2026-09-17
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- [‘The very existence of LGBTQI people is seen as obscene,’ Turkish activist says](https://mins.news/en/item/58399) — France 24, 2026-09-14
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