16/06/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
Eskişehir Governorship banned LGBTI+s from both marching and sitting down for one month.
Eskişehir Governorship kept it’s discriminatory tradition and banned all possible Pride Week events across the province.
The Governorship banned all outdoor activities which may be held by LGBTI+s across the city under the pretext of “public morality”. All kind of events and activities were targeted by the Governorship due to the general statements used:
“It is observed and learned from press outlets and social media platforms, that some activities and events are being planned to be held by LGBTI (Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) associations, similar formations and groups in some provinces including ours, under the title of ‘Pride Week’ at the end of June, and that these activities may be reacted by the society due to being against public morality, and that these events were reacted against by some individuals and groups with radical views through some social media platforms and some media outlets.
Considering all these; it is seen that the planned activities and events are open to all kind of provocation and actions; that social peace and public order may be disturbed due to the possible incidents which may be caused by groups with different views in society coming together, and that the protection of the peace and security of the public, including the participants of the open activities, personal immunity, safety of private property, health or morals, the rights and freedoms of others may be jeopardized.
Thus, to ensure public order and public peace, to protect public health and general morality, to provide safety of life and property of our citizens, and to prevent crimes; all kind of activities (meeting and attempt to meet, making a press statement, marching, carrying out sit-in protest, setting up a table / tent, distributing leaflets, protesting, hanging a banner / poster, organizing a festival, sports competition, panel discussion, conference, seminar, film screening and etc.) which are planned to be held indoors and out with the aim of supporting or protesting the events carried out by LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) associations and formations, are banned on the grounds of Article 17 of Law no. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstration and Article 11/a and 11/c of the Provincial Administration Law no. 5442, in Eskişehir from 15.06.2023, 00.01 am to 14.07.2023, 24.00 pm, for thirty (30) days with the decision no. 232 given by Eskişehir Governorship on 14.06.2023.”
Eskişehir Pride Week Committee reacted against the ban saying “We don’t obey”:
“A 30-day ban decision, including LGBTI+ Pride Week, was announced by Eskişehir Governorship. As seen in recent years, our struggle is greater than the ban decision of the Governorship! We don’t remain silent, don’t fear and don’t obey!””
Tags: human rights
