Turkey restricts viewing of 'Brokeback'
Culture Ministry: movie violates public morals
Turkey's Culture Ministry has restricted the viewing of the Oscar-winning gay romance "Brokeback Mountain" to viewers over the age of 18, saying the movie violated public morals, a ministry official said Thursday.
The restriction reflects the sensitivities in overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey, where homosexuality is largely a taboo subject.
The movie ratings subcommittee of the Culture and Tourism Ministry restricted the viewing of "Brokeback Mountain" before its opening in Turkey next Friday, the ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Turkish officials cannot speak to the press without prior authorization. The subcommittee ruled that the movie would harm public morals, the official said.
In the United States, the movie is rated R — restricted — and viewers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
"Brokeback Mountain" won Oscar awards for best director, best musical score and best adapted screenplay.
The Culture Ministry official said the rating decision could be reviewed if the producer of the movie objected.
Link: http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=5659
Turkey's Culture Ministry has restricted the viewing of the Oscar-winning gay romance "Brokeback Mountain" to viewers over the age of 18, saying the movie violated public morals, a ministry official said Thursday.
The restriction reflects the sensitivities in overwhelmingly Muslim Turkey, where homosexuality is largely a taboo subject.
The movie ratings subcommittee of the Culture and Tourism Ministry restricted the viewing of "Brokeback Mountain" before its opening in Turkey next Friday, the ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Turkish officials cannot speak to the press without prior authorization. The subcommittee ruled that the movie would harm public morals, the official said.
In the United States, the movie is rated R — restricted — and viewers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
"Brokeback Mountain" won Oscar awards for best director, best musical score and best adapted screenplay.
The Culture Ministry official said the rating decision could be reviewed if the producer of the movie objected.
Link: http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=5659
