LGBT march in Turkey banned for second consecutive year

ISTANBUL, Turkey (Kurdistan24) – Authorities in Turkey on Saturday banned an LGBT parade for the second consecutive year, citing security reasons.

Turkish authorities announced the banning of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights march in Istanbul’s Taksim Square for “safety concerns.”

Supporters of the LGBT community planned to organize the rally for 5:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.

However, the Istanbul governor’s office declared Taksim Square “was not an official rallying ground.”

“There will be no permission for a demonstration or a march on the said date considering the safety of tourists in the area…and public order,” the office explained in a statement.

Citizens were also pressed to “abide by the security forces’ warning,” and avoid calls for participation in the parade.

Last year, the LGBT were not given permission to parade after the city was targeted by the Islamic State (IS).

Despite the ban, gay rights activists marched in protest where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to dissolve the group.

Thousands of people have taken part in previous rights demonstrations in Istanbul, considered some of the most significant events for the LGBT community.

On June 18, before the start of Pride Week in Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge was lit up in the colors of the rainbow, a symbol of the LGBT movement.

The Istanbul municipality denied any responsibility for the lighting, with some officials pointing to the highway administration who they said “had no clue” the colors symbolized the LGBT.

The first Istanbul Pride march was held in 1993, eventually attracting larger crowds in the 2000s.