27/02/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
Halide Türkoğlu, spokesperson for the Women’s Assembly of DEM Party of commented on the ban of KuirFest in her press statement
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Women’s Assembly Spokesperson Halide Türkoğlu put the ban on KuirFest (QueerFest) on the agenda during her press statement.
Türkoğlu made the following statements regarding the ban on KuirFest:
“You have taken a stance for male-dominated politics, not for women. You have disregarded gender identities, you imposed a ban on KuirFest due to your intolerance towards the LGBTI+ community. You have allowed the hate speech that is paving the way for their slaughter in the streets. It is the clear stance of us women to resist against your power that threatens women’s achievements. We will do so by rebuilding our women’s institutions, anti-violence centers, and cooperatives.”
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
