26/02/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
TIP LGBTI+ Commission issued a statement regarding the ban order on KuirFest by the Ankara Governorship.
Workers’ Party of Turkey (TIP) LGBTI+ Commission released a statement condemning the Ankara Governorship’s prohibition of the Pink Life KuirFest (QueerFest), under color of “public order, general peace, the public interest public morals and public health, and the protection of the rights and freedoms of others” and said “We are against unlawfulness.”
“The ruling regime, known for responding to calls for equal citizenship with bans and violence, has once again demonstrated its intolerance for spaces where LGBTI+ people gather to advocate for freedom and equality. The same mentality that has previously attempted to prevent LGBTI+ people from simple activities such as drinking tea or having a picnic is now attempting to unlawfully ban the KuirFest events scheduled to take place in Ankara at the end of February, overstepping the authority of the Governor’s Office.
As the Workers’ Party of Turkey, we are closely following the situation. We strongly oppose this act of unlawfulness and remain committed to the principle of equal citizenship in our country. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTI+ community who courageously stand up against oppression.”
What happened?
This year’s Pink Life KuirFest, which was to be held under the theme “Back to Ankara”, has been banned. The Ankara Governorship informed the venues that the film screenings and events that were to take place between 23 and 25 February were banned. On 22 February, the Governorship notified the venues of and announced the ban order on the events stating that the ban had been imposed “for the protection of public order, public health and morals, and the rights and freedoms of others”.
The Governorship’s decision to ban the event alleged that Kuirfest, which has been organized by the Pink Life LGBTI+ Solidarity association 12 years, was being organized “by groups such as Kaos GL”. Additionally, the governorship prohibited “exhibitions, press releases, film screenings, cinema, theatre, panels, lectures, etc. related to LGBT-LGBTI, etc.” in the letter sent to the venues.
Following the ban, KuirFest published an online registration form for screenings and events. Despite the ban, the festival was organized in an alternative way.
Tags: human rights, arts and culture
