Article 10/1 of the constitution of the Republic of Turkey provides for equality before the law: “All individuals are equal before the law, irrespective of language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion and sect, or similar considerations.” However, some clauses in the Turkish Penal Code violate the principle of equality and some de facto situations discriminate against women as well.

Felonious acts that violate sexual freedom are described in “Felonies against Public Decency and Family Order,” and are considered violations o…