Turkish officials have banned all events by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights groups in the country's capital, in a move LGBT organizations call illegal and discriminatory. The ban took effect Saturday for an "indefinite" period and applies to all LGBT film screenings, theatres, panels and exhibitions. (Emrah Gurel/Associated Press)The governor's office warned that some groups may be provoked by LGBT events and take action against participants because of "certain social sensitivities." Although homosexuality isn't banned in Turkey and numerous LGBT associations are legally registered with the state, rights activists say LGBT individuals face discrimination and stigma. ILGA, a global organization for LGBT rights, called the ban "a disgraceful breach of fundamental rights and freedoms" and warned that it constituted an example of the "shrinking space" for LGBT civil society in Turkey.

Source: CBC News November 19, 2017 20:37 UTC