Gay festivals, films, pubic meetings, forums and panels have been banned in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The city’s governor announced the ban on his website, saying that Pride related events could draw spark terror attacks and they needed to be banned for everyone’s protection.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, but activists say there is a high level of homophobia and discrimination. For the last three years the annual Pride parade in Istanbul has been banned over security concerns. The parade previously attracted over 100,000 participants.
The widespread ban of gay events follows a German language gay film festival being banned a week ago. On that occasion the Govenor’s office also cited terrorism concerns as the basis for the ban.
“Considering that the content could incite grudges and enmity toward a part of society… and the intelligence reports that terror organizations are seeking to attack dissentient groups or individuals, it is evaluated that this film screening could be provocative and draw reactions.” an official statement read.
Under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tukey’s LGBTI community has seen many of the freedoms they once enjoyed stripped away. The country was one of the few Muslim dominated countries to formally recognise and celebrate gay people.
OIP Staff, Image: Shutterstock 2015 Love Parade in Ankara Turkey.
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