Marchers in Istanbul Pride were met with riot police on Sunday after the city banned the event, the third year in a row the event was prohibited.

Authorities cited security concerns, but activists claim the government once again caved in to ultra-nationalists, who insist “degenerates” shouldn’t be allowed to demonstrate.

“The true reason for the reactions towards a march that took place in peace for 12 years is hate,” organizers said in a statement.

“Our security cannot be provided by imprisoning us behind walls, asking us to hide,” they added. “Our security will be provided by recognizing us in the constitution, by securing justice, by equality and freedom.”

After the ban was announced on Saturday, Istiklal Street was cordoned off. So smaller groups gathered on side streets, waving rainbow flags and chanting "Don't be quiet, shout out, gay people exist!"

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disburse demonstrators, while officers with dogs chased some participants.

“It is obvious that a peaceful march is part of our constitutional right," march organizer Lara Ozlen told AFP. “It's been known for years. Instead of protecting us, to say 'do not march' just because some will be disturbed is undemocratic.”

Homosexuality is legal in Turkey, although LGBT people face widespread harassment and discrimination. The election of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2014 has seen the country take a reactionary shift.