Sunat Atun: The Right for Young People to Decide Is a Constitutional Freedom

Using the example of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament model, Atun remarked, "Young people between the ages of 11 and 18 elect their representatives, they speak in Parliament. Why can’t young people of the same age make decisions based on their beliefs here?" Atun stated that the issue surrounding the headscarf debate has been discussed on the wrong grounds and underlined that the decision-making capacity of young people is being underestimated. He pointed to the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) model as an example.

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Canan Onurer ile Sabahın Haberleri program via phone, Atun answered questions regarding the issue.

"Young people aged 11 to 18 elect their representatives, give speeches in Parliament, and are accepted as decision-makers. Why is it a problem for young people in the same age group to act according to their beliefs?" Atun asked. He highlighted that freedom of belief is not only a legal right but also a universal one.

"Young People Can Choose Their Future, Why Can't They Choose Their Beliefs?"

Atun reminded that headscarves are permitted in secondary education in Turkey and emphasized that young people have the right to shape their educational paths and decide on their university programs during their high school years.

"How can we oppose these same young people making a choice about their beliefs when they are allowed to make such critical decisions about their future?" Atun questioned.

"The Constitution Is Clear; Regulations or Circulars Cannot Limit Rights"

Atun stated that the debate should be framed within a constitutional context. He clarified that there is no provision in the Discipline Code banning headscarves. "The power to create regulations for schools cannot supersede the Constitution," he said, asserting that no regulation can override the Constitution and basic rights.

He also addressed the misinterpretation of the concept of secularism, emphasizing that secularism means the state maintaining an equal distance from all beliefs. "Secularism is not about suppressing religious freedom; it is about applying equality to all beliefs. Unfortunately, we as a society misunderstand this concept," he added.

"We Should Unite the Society, Not Divide It"

Atun sharply criticized statements like "Those who don't like it should go to South Cyprus," which have been made by some groups. He stated that such rhetoric harms the culture of tolerance and social unity. "Who is expelling whom? This is our shared homeland," he said.

Atun noted that the Assembly and the country have many important issues that need attention and argued that it is not right to distract the country's focus with such issues. "If we do not bring discussions to the right platform, we will only waste time," he warned.

"Agreement on Parliamentary Rules with CTP on the Table"

Atun also provided information regarding the agreement on the revision of the Parliamentary Rules with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP). He mentioned that discussions on this matter will take place in today’s meeting of the Assembly. "I don't want to say anything prematurely, but there is a positive will to improve parliamentary efficiency," he commented.

"Election Process Officially Started"

Finally, Atun stressed that the election process had officially begun with President Ersin Tatar’s announcement of his candidacy for re-election and CTP’s nomination of Tufan Erhürman. "As UBP, we stand behind Mr. Ersin Tatar. With CTP’s candidate announcement, the political process has become clear," he concluded.