Homosexuality is legally recognized in Turkey. Turkey has a more liberal and secular constitution than many other Muslim countries, although I can't comment on it's domestic policies. The Army seems to be the exception - some of their odd vetting methods are outlined in this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1379823.html
Well, the Orthodox Church was banned by the Soviet Union - and Stalin notoriously had many churches demolished - including the monumental Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This was reconstructed after the fall of Communism. Interestingly, Stalin briefly allowed churches to be re-opened during the Nazi invasion of Russia, as the Church remained popular and he was trying to use its power for propaganda ends. I think it's wrong to restrict people from having beliefs, including religious ones. But the Orthodox Church was very powerful in Tsarist Russia, and has had a resurgence in recent years.