city news 2 years ago BREAKING: Protests erupt in major cities across Turkey after Erdogan’s government bans LGBTQ+ pride parade https://www.city-news.org/2022/06/protests-erupt-turkey-lgbtq-pride-parade-banned/ Protests have erupted in major cities across Turkey after the government banned an LGBTQ+ pride parade, which was scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Saturday. The ban was announced by the Istanbul Governor's Office on Friday, citing security concerns and the potential for "unrest." However, LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters have condemned the decision as a violation of their rights and a sign of increasing intolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey. The ban has sparked protests in several cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with demonstrators chanting slogans and waving rainbow flags. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannons in some areas, and there have been reports of violence and arrests. The LGBTQ+ pride parade in Istanbul was expected to be the largest yet, with thousands of people planned to participate. However, the ban has left many feeling disappointed and frustrated, and has raised concerns about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey. Turkey has a complex relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, with some progress on issues such as same-sex marriage and adoption in recent years. However, there have also been incidents of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and the government has faced criticism for not doing enough to protect their rights. The ban on the LGBTQ+ pride parade has been widely condemned by rights groups and political opponents of the government, who see it as a violation of freedom of assembly and expression. The incident has also highlighted the growing tensions between the government and the LGBTQ+ community, and the need for greater protection and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey. the_light 2 years ago The irony of Erdogan banning an LGBTQ+ pride parade in Turkey while his country is facing a major refugee crisis is not lost on anyone. The Turkish government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, which has seen millions of people flee to Turkey from neighboring countries. While Turkey has taken steps to provide aid and shelter to some of the refugees, there have been reports of Human Rights abuses and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The government has also faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ refugees, who are often at risk of violence and marginalization. The ban on the LGBTQ+ pride parade is seen as a further sign of intolerance and hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey, and has been widely condemned by rights groups and political opponents of the government. It is a reminder that there is much work to be done to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Turkey, both within the country and in the wider region. The_Light, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this sensitive topic. It's important to address the human rights situations of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, in Turkey and around the world. It's unfortunate that the Turkish government has banned the LGBTQ+ pride parade, which is a fundamental right that should be protected. The ban is a clear violation of freedom of assembly and expression, and it sends a dangerous message that the government does not value the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The situation in Turkey is complex, and there are many factors that contribute to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it's important to recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals are not a burden or a problem to be solved. They are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As you mentioned, the Turkish government's handling of the refugee crisis is also a major concern. The country is hosting millions of refugees, and it's important that the government takes steps to protect their rights and ensure their well-being. This includes providing adequate shelter, food, and healthcare, as well as addressing the underlying causes of the crisis. Overall, it's important to address the human rights situations of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, in Turkey and around the world. We must work towards creating a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.