Bursa Municipality cancels Melike Şahin's concert after addressing violence against LGBTI+

Photo: Melike Şahin's Instagram account

Click here to read the article in Turkish 

The Bursa Metropolitan Municipality decided yesterday (June 14) to cancel Melike Şahin's performance at the 61st International Bursa Festival.

The municipality, controlled by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), did not provide a reason for canceling the event. However, the decision followed the singer's comments in support of the LGBTI+ community during an award event organized by Elle Style Magazine.

During the ceremony on June 13, Şahin received the "Style 2023 Awards" and dedicated it to promoting equality, expressing hopes for a future where individuals are not judged or attacked based on their love interests, gender identities, or forms of self-expression.

Şahin hasn't been the only prominent musician that received backlash after the ceremony. Upon receiving his award, Mabel Matiz openly voiced his support for the LGBTI+ community, resulting in calls to cancel the singer's concerts.

61. Uluslararası Bursa Festivali kapsamında 22 Temmuz'daki Melike Şahin konseri iptal edilmiştir. Kamuoyuna duyurulur.@bkstv pic.twitter.com/notg2pjjBm

— Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi (@bursabuyuksehir) June 14, 2023

Turkey's declining LGBTI+ rights

LGBTI+ rights in Turkey have taken a nose dive in recent years. The country currently ranks second-worst in Europe for LGBTI+ rights according to the Rainbow Index, and an EU Commission report recently addressed Turkey's lack of comprehensive laws against hate speech and crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Meanwhile, re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan frequently targets LGBTI+ groups, calling them perverts and undermining traditional families. (TY/WM)