Ban on LGBTI events is to ‘maintain public order’, say Turkish authorities
Istanbul — Turkish authorities on Sunday announced a ban on all LGBTI cultural events in Ankara province until further notice, to "maintain public order". The move follows a ban on a festival of German-language gay films in the capital on Thursday, imposed on the grounds it could incite hatred and be at risk from terror attacks. "Since November 18 and until further notice, all film and theatre events, screenings, panels, colloquium, exhibitions, etc … have been banned," the Ankara administration said on its website. It argues that LGBTI events are likely to "provoke reactions within certain segments" of society and has issued the ban to "maintain public order". But organisers of Thursday’s film festival wanted authorities to instead offer greater protection, denouncing the move as a violation of their constitutional rights. The ban announcement has fuelled concern among LGBTI activists in Turkey that their right to freedom of expression is being curtailed under the Islamic-rooted go...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.