23/01/2021 | Writer: Yiğit E Korkmaz
The Young LGBTI + Association (Genç LGBTİ+ Derneği) regarding the final annulment of the ban in the 7th İzmir LGBTI+ Pride Parade (2019) trials which they appealed: “We are also pleased that the verdict was issued unanimously with a justification in line with the contemporary human rights standards”.
“My every step is a Pride Parade!” / Photo: Gözde Demirbilek
The Young LGBTI+ Association issued a statement regarding the final annulment of the ban in the 7th Izmir LGBTI+ Pride Parade (2019) case it appealed:
"The Izmir Administrative Court rejected our request of annulment against the Izmir Pride March (2019) ban. Thereupon, we insisted on our request by appealing, by bringing the case to the upper court. İzmir Regional Administrative Court accepted our request and found the prohibition decision unlawful and annulled it definitively. We are also pleased that the verdict was issued unanimously with a justification in line with the contemporary human rights standards.
“We said that pride parades are peaceful, they cannot be banned! We quote from the Court's verdict: 'The Pride Parade', which raises public awareness on hatred, discrimination and violence against a segment of the society differentiated in terms of gender identity and sexual orientation, is a fundamental right and freedom that should be protected in a democratic society as it will contribute to pluralism and peaceful coexistence.'
“The court also stated that the justification of the ban decision was not in compliance with the legislation as it was based on the possibility that the pride parade will cause public reaction and provocations and attacks may occur, based on the complaints received through CIMER; 'the obligation of the state is to take the necessary measures to protect the freedom of assembly'.
“We expect this decision would be the basis for the future proceedings of the decision-makers, and unlawful actions and practices will no longer be issued. The pride parade is our right, it cannot be banned! "
What happened?
The 7th İzmir LGBTI+ Pride Week events planned to be held on June 16-23 in 2019 were banned by the Governorate of İzmir 3 days before the week. The court decided to suspend the execution of the activity ban excluding the bans on the "Bondage Workshop" and "Sexual Toy Workshop" activities planned to be held on June 22nd. In addition, the court asked the Governorate of İzmir of their defense regarding two activities and the Pride March.
Examining the application of the Young LGBTI+ Association and the defense of the Governorate of İzmir, the 1st Administrative Court of İzmir last year ruled not to annul the ban on the 7th LGBTI+ Pride Parade, cancel the ban of two events, citing "no danger of crime" for not annulling the ban on the Pride March.
The association insisted on its request by taking the case to the upper court upon the verdict of the 1st Administrative Court of İzmir. İzmir Regional Administrative Court found the ban decision unlawful with a justification compatible with contemporary human rights standards and unanimously annulled the ban.
Tags: human rights
