Governor calls off painting contest on gender equality in Bursa

Governor calls off painting contest on gender equality in Bursa
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Teachers union Egitim-Sen said its Bursa branch organized the contest on gender equality in the schools in Bursa to increase awareness

A painting contest on gender equality theme was annulled by the governor in Turkey’s western city Bursa where a workshop with the same title last week was canceled after a smear campaign by the pro-government media.

Teachers Union Egitim-Sen said its Bursa branch organized the contest on gender equality in the schools in Bursa to increase awareness but the governor gave in to pressure from conservative groups.

“The painting competition on gender equality, to be held by our Bursa Branch in schools, was canceled by the governor's office as a result of intense pressure from reactionary circles and the pro-government union, though the schools are open to the activities of many foundations. We protest this decision,” a statement from the union said.

Last week in the Nilufer district of Bursa, the interior ministry opened an investigation into the municipal corporation after conservative media started a smear campaign over an educational activity concerning gender equality.

“They will make Turkey a perversion nest,” pro-government Islamist newspaper Yeni Akit titled an article over the matter, accusing the mayor of creating a center for LGBTQIA+.