Gay rights events banned in Turkish capital

Henceforth, public events relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues have been banned in the Turkish capital after a statement issued by the governor of Ankara.

Citing fear they could “provoke hatred and hostility”, the ban by the state governor Mehmet Kiliclar covers events including film festivals, forums, interviews, and exhibitions.

The governor’s office said the ban would help to promote “public order, prevention of crime, general health and morals.”

Read also: Germany in political crisis as Merkel’s 4th term bid hits a snag

Recall that in June this year, LGBTQ supporters who took to the streets of Istanbul in June in defiance of a ban on the Gay Pride Festival and Parade were dispersed by police which used tear gas and rubber pellets on many that gathered.

“The march will not be allowed for the safety of our citizens, first and foremost the participants, and tourists who are in the area visiting,” the governorship said in a statement this year.

Unlike in many other Muslim countries, homosexuality is legal in Turkey, but activists say members of the LGBT community are often subjected to widespread hostility and homophobia.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now