Ankara announce all homosexual rights functions to be banned

(MENAFN) Homosexual rights' campaigns of festivals, screenings, forums and exhibitions on security grounds have all been prohibited by Ankara, the Turkish capital. On Sunday, the governor's office declared that it also desired the protection of public order and sensitivities.

The declaration came after a move that took place last week for the purpose of banning a festival of German-language gay films because it was carried out in the city, keeping in mind the homosexuality in Turkey is legal though homophobia according to activists is widespread.

On its website, the city administration announced "from Saturday 18 November until further notice, all film and theatre events, screenings, panels, colloquium, exhibitions, etc... have been banned."

The city administration defends its case by warning that activities of this nature might possibly "provoke reactions within certain segments" of society, it might also be at risk of attracting "terrorists."

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