Ankara (AFP)
Streaming giant Netlix has canceled production of a series in Turkey featuring a gay character after failing to obtain government permission for the filming, the series' writer said on Tuesday.
Screenwriter Ece Yörenc confirmed to AFP press reports that the "If Only" series had been canceled.
"Because it staged a gay character, the filming permission was not granted to the series and it is very scary for the future," Ms. Yörenc told the cultural news magazine Altyazi on Sunday. Fasikul.
According to Altyazi Fasikul, Netflix refused to comply with the request of the Turkish High Council Audiovisual (RTÜK) to erase the homosexual character from the scenario, 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.
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 French sports brand Decathlon faced boycott calls in Turkey in June 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.
© 2020 AFP