A man watching Netflix (illustration) - DAINA LE LARDIC / SIPA

End screen. While Netflix had plans to settle in Turkey for the filming of a new series, the American giant preferred to cancel the production of its fiction following the government's request to erase a gay character.

Screenwriter Ece Yörenc confirmed to AFP press reports that the If Only series  had been canceled. "Because she staged a gay character, the film was not granted permission to the series and it's very scary for the future", said Ms. Yörenc Sunday in cultural news magazine altyazı Fasikul .

According to Altyazi Fasikul , Netflix refused to comply with the request of the Turkish High Audiovisual Council (RTÜK) to erase the homosexual character from the screenplay, choosing to cancel the project rather than accept censorship. Contacted by AFP on Tuesday, Netflix has neither confirmed nor denied attempts at censorship of the canceled series. “We remain deeply committed to our subscribers and the creative community in Turkey,” the streaming platform said in a statement.

Homophobia and transphobia prevalent in Turkey

This controversy comes at a time when officials and media close to the Turkish government are increasing anti-LGBT remarks. In April, the head of the directorate of religious affairs, Ali Erbas, made a link between homosexuality and disease. And the French sports brand Décathlon was faced in June with calls for a boycott in Turkey for posting messages of support for LGBT people.

A bill providing for increased control of social media was presented to the Turkish parliament on Tuesday. According to observers, the future law could also allow the government to limit the visibility of LGBT activists online.

Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries where homosexuality is not punished by law. On the other hand, homophobia and transphobia are widespread there and LGBT associations regularly report attacks and discrimination. The Istanbul Pride March, which once brought together several thousand people, has also been banned for several years.

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  • Turkey
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  • Lgbt