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 violates 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
Oscars 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 objects. (AP)