Organisers of Istanbul’s annual Gay Pride march say it will go ahead despite a ban by authorities.

Small groups are now gathering near the city’s Taksim Square but they are heavily outnumbered by police.

Authorities in Turkey’s largest city banned the march for the third year in a row, citing security concerns after threats from far-right groups.

Homosexuality is not illegal – unlike in many Muslim nations – but homophobia remains widespread.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling AK Party is rooted in conservative Islam, has denied wanting to impose traditional religious values, saying he is committed to secularism. But he supports Turks’ right to express their religion more openly.

He has been accused of growing authoritarianism in recent years.

‘Get used to it’

The BBC’s Mark Lowen tweeted that police were blocking access to the area, including Gezi park, to try to stop the march and that a police helicopter was flying overhead.

Other reports spoke of water cannon vehicles on Istiklal street.

The Gay Pride organising committee issued a statement on Sunday saying: “We are not scared, we are here, we will not change.

“You are scared, you will change and you will get used to it. We are here again to show that we will fight in a determined fashion for our pride.”

Lara Ozlen, from the organising committee, told AFP news agency on Saturday: “It is obvious that a peaceful march is part of our constitutional right.

“It’s been known for years. Instead of protecting us, to say ‘do not march’ just because some will be disturbed is undemocratic.”

The city officials also said they had not received a formal request to hold the march – a claim denied by the organisers.

This year’s event also coincides with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the start of the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Last year, riot police fired tear gas and plastic bullets after transgender rights activists gathered in Istanbul – in defiance of a ban on marching.