The Turkish capital Ankara has banned the public showing of films and exhibitions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, the governor's office said on Sunday, citing public sensitivities.
The Ankara governor's office said in a statement the events may cause animosity between different groups and endanger "health and morality" as well as the rights and freedoms of others. "Starting from Nov. 18, 2017, concerning our community's public sensitivity, any events such as LGBT... cinema, theatre, panels, interviews, exhibitions are banned until further notice in our province to provide peace and security," the statement said.
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.
The annual gay pride rally in İstanbul -- once a hugely popular event --- has been blocked by authorities for three years in a row also on security grounds.
Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Erdoğan was outraged at the existence of a quota for gays on a neighbourhood committee, saying it was at odds with the nation's values.
