Istanbul Police Attack Gay Pride Parade

Turkish police failed to disperse gay pride marchers on Sunday.

Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons at protestors at Istanbul's annual gay pride parade on Sunday.

Organizers posted on social media saying that the march had been prohibited by local authorities because it coincided with Ramadan. However, last year the parade also took place during the holy month.

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Regardless of the attacks, participants reorganized and continued their celebrations in nearby areas of the city. These hardcore "priders" couldn't be stopped by a little water and tear gas.

The first gay pride event in Istanbul took place in 2003. From humble beginnings, the annual event has grown to see more than 10,000 annual participants and has been referred to as the largest pride event in Eastern Europe.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey; however, it is also not a protected status and gay marriage is not legally recognized.

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