Governorship of Ankara banned events “organized by LGBTI non-governmental organizations” indefinitely on the grounds of “public morality”.
Governorship of Ankara, after the prohibition of German LGBTI Film Days, banned “events organized by LGBTI non-governmental organizations” in Ankara indefinitely.
Governorship gave justification for the decision with the claims of “social sensibilities and sensitivities”, “public safety”, “protection of public morality and health” and “protection of rights and liberties of others”.
Statement of governorship is as following:
“We were informed through various social media and several printed and visual media organs that several movie, cinevision, theatre, panel, interview, exhibition etc. events including several social sensibilities and sensitivities will be organized in various locations of our city by various non-governmental organizations in the name LGBTT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transvestite) and LGBTI (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex).
“This situation was evaluated as that social media shares at stake may provoke one section of public with different social class, race, religion, sect and regional features to show hatred and animosity in the disadvantage of other section, therefore clear and imminent danger towards public safety may arise; also, considering that this may jeopardize public order, prevention of crime, protection of public health and morality, and protection of rights and liberties of others; as a result of several social sensibilities there may occur provocations and reactions by several sections towards groups and individuals who want to attend intended event.
“Due to these reasons movie, cinevision, theatre, panel, interview, exhibition etc. events including several social sensibilities and sensitivities to be organized by LGBTT_LGBTI etc. organizations are banned indefinitely starting from November 18, 2017.”