Turkey bans LGBT events in capital, citing 'public security'

Turkish officials have banned all events by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights groups in the country's capital, in a move LGBTorganizations call illegal and discriminatory.

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The ban took effect Saturday for an "indefinite" period and applies to all LGBTfilm screenings, theatres, panels and exhibitions.

The Ankara governor's office announced Sunday that the ban was imposed to protect "public security." It said the events may cause animosity between different groups and endanger "health and morality" as well as the rights and freedoms of others.

The governor's office warned that some groups may be provoked by LGBTevents and take action against participants because of "certain social sensitivities."

Although homosexuality isn't banned in Turkey and numerous LGBTassociations are legally registered with the state, rights activists say LGBTindividuals face discrimination and stigma.

'Breach of fundamental rights and freedoms'

Two Ankara-based LGBTassociations slammed the "arbitrary" ban in a statement late Sunday, saying it violates domestic and international laws.

Kaos GL and Pink Life organizations argued the vagueness and wide scope of the decision would legitimize rights violations against LGBTindividuals and turn them into targets.

The organizations said the decision would cripple their work to combat discrimination and hate crimes, calling on officials to withdraw the ban.

ILGA, a global organization for LGBTrights, called the ban "a disgraceful breach of fundamental rights and freedoms" and warned that it constituted an example of the "shrinking space" for LGBTcivil society in Turkey.