Homosexuals Criticize Statue Protest

The Rainbow Homosexual Society Movement, criticized the Antalya Voluntary Institutions' Union for protesting the municipality's plans to place a statue of King Attalos II of Pergamon in a square in Antalya. The Union objects to the statue of Attalos saying he was "a homosexual."

The Rainbow group said that Ahmet Cicek, the Selcuklu Foundation Head, who made a statement on behalf of the Voluntary Institutions' Union, "openly showed his animosity toward homosexuals and displayed homophobic behavior." The group said Cicek also encouraged discrimination.

"As homosexuals from Antalya, we condemn Cicek and call on everyone to put an end to all discrimination against gays and lesbians."

Mustafa Hasmet from Korkuteli instead of Attalos

Cicek, who made a statement on behalf of 46 non-governmental organizations n Antalya, had said that there were "rumors that Attalos II was a homosexual" and added, "for that reason, Attalos may not become Antalya's symbol."

Cicek said placing an Attalos statue in Antalya "would be an insult to the Turkish public and the people of Antalya."

"Those who want to erect Attalos' statue, couldn't they find anyone else in the Turkish-Islam history, who would be suitable for Antalya?" Cicek had asked.

Cicek suggested placing a statue of Mustafa Hasmet from Korkuteli instead of that of Attalos. Hasmet had headed the fight against the invading forces in Antalya. (BB/EA/NM)