Turkish officials banned all events [press release, in Turkish] by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) non-governmental groups on Saturday in Ankara, the country’s capital, asserting that the measure will ensure peace and security, personal immunity, safety and security of the public.

Officials cited Article 11 of the State of Emergency Law [text], which allows for certain measures to be taken to ensure public safety, as justification for the ban, stating that these events may cause other groups to garner hostility jeopardizing crime prevention, general health and morals, or the protection of rights and freedoms of others.

Events such as cinema, theater, panel, interviews, exhibitions are banned until further notice, labeling such events as “social sensitivities.”