ISTANBUL (AP) \u2014 An anti-LGBTQ group marched Sunday in Istanbul, demanding that LGBTQ associations be shuttered and their activities banned, in the largest demonstration of its kind in Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several thousand people joined the demonstration dubbed \u201cThe Big Family Gathering.\u201d Kursat Mican, a speaker for the organizers, said they had gathered more than 150,000 signatures to demand a new law from Turkey\u2019s parliament that would ban what they called LGBTQ propaganda, which they say pervades Netflix, social media, arts and sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hatice Muge, who works as a nanny, came to the gathering from Bursa province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople are here despite the rain for their children, for future generations,\u201d she said, urging the Turkish government to take action. \u201cThey should save the family, they should save the children from this filth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group held banners that read: \u201cProtecting the family is a national security issue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LGBTQ parades have not been allowed in Turkey since 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahead of Sunday\u2019s demonstration, the organizers circulated a video using images from past LGBTQ Pride marches in Turkey. The video was included in the public service announcement list of Turkey\u2019s media watchdog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The video and the demonstration prompted an outcry from LGBTQ associations and other rights groups. The organizers of Istanbul Pride called on the governor\u2019s office to ban the event and authorities to take down the video, arguing both were hateful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ILGA Europe, which works for LGBTQ equality, tweeted it was extremely concerned about the risks of violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Turkish state needs to uphold its constitutional obligation to protect all its citizens against hate and violence,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amnesty International\u2019s Turkey office said public service announcements listing the event violated Turkey\u2019s equality and non-discrimination principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top Turkish officials have called LGBTQ people \u201cperverts\u201d who aim to hurt traditional family values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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