Turkish capital bans LGBT cinema, exhibitions

The Turkish capital of Ankara has banned the public showing of films and exhibitions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, the governor's office said on Sunday, citing public safety concerns.

"Starting from November 18, 2017, concerning our community's public sensitivity, any events such as (LGBT) cinema, theatre, panels, interviews, exhibitions are banned until further notice in our province to provide peace and security," the governor's office said in a statement.

Authorities in Ankara had already banned a German gay film festival on Wednesday, the day before it was due to start, citing public safety and terrorism risks.

Two gay pride parades have been banned in Istanbul for the last two years running. Unlike in many Muslim countries, homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, but there is widespread hostility to it.