Women's associations react to Diyanet sermon: 'We call for an apology'

The latest Friday sermon prepared by the Presidency of Religious Affairs included criticisms directed at the lifestyle of society. While the sermon stated that dating is a 'major sin,' it was argued that friendship relationships between men and women could lead to adultery. These statements were criticized by the Federation of Women Associations of Turkey.

In the federation's statement, it was noted: "The Presidency of Religious Affairs, established on March 3, 1924, by the order of the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, for the purpose of 'regulating religious services and enlightening society,' is obligated as a constitutional institution to carry out its duties in line with the principle of secularism. However, the statement 'Friendship between men and women leads people to adultery' in the sermon published on May 2, 2025, is contrary to both the principle of secularism guaranteed in Article 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey and the institution's own reason for existence. Defining women and men solely through sexuality targets gender equality, and this language, which codes healthy social relationships between genders as a 'sin' or 'crime,' is not only outdated but also dangerous."

'ADHERENCE TO SECULAR PRINCIPLES IS OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY'

The federation stated that such rhetoric marginalizes women, encourages violence, and puts pressure on young people. The statement said, "It ignores the vision of enlightening society with modernity, reason, and science that Atatürk put forward when establishing the Diyanet. Instead of showing loyalty to Atatürk's legacy, the Diyanet continues to commit constitutional crimes with rhetoric that interferes with the public's lifestyle and specifically targets women."

The federation called on the Presidency of Religious Affairs to return to its constitutional boundaries and founding principles, emphasizing that the rights to life and freedoms of women and young people must be respected.

The statement concluded: "We evaluate the expression in this sermon not merely as an opinion, but as an open attack on the secular state order. We call on the Presidency of Religious Affairs to return to its constitutional boundaries, founding principles, and social responsibility; and to respect the right to life and freedoms of women and young people. We reject the labeling of women, young people, and all citizens as immoral through their friendships. The Diyanet must act like a constitutional institution; it should speak with the language of the Republic, not the language of a religious community. We call on the Presidency of Religious Affairs to return to its constitutional duty boundaries, to stop casting suspicion on young people and women, and to publicly apologize to the public regarding this sermon. Loyalty to the principles of the secular Republic is our shared responsibility."