LGBTI+ Events Banned in Mersin

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The Governorship of Mersin has imposed a 20-day ban on LGBTI+ events to be held in Turkey's Mediterranean province of Mersin.

Since the 5th Mersin Pride Week will be held from July 1 to July 7, the ban in question will also apply to the pride week events.

Releasing a statement on its official website yesterday (June 26), the Governorship has announced that "all events to be held in public places of the city by LGBTI+ organizations and similar groups such as parades, press statements, sit-in protests, stand/tent openings, distribution of leaflets and festivals have been banned for 20 days as of June 25, 2019."

'To ptotect public health and morality'

The ban in question has been imposed "with the aim of maintaining public well-being and public peace, preventing crimes and protecting public health, public morality and safety of life and property of citizens," the Governorship has indicated further in its statement.

The Pride Week events to be held in İzmir and Antalya were also banned by the Governorships. İstanbul Governorship did not permit the İstanbul LGBTI+ Pride Parade, either. (EMK/SD)

* Photograph: Social media