US LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship Denied Docking in Turkey
Turkish authorities cited moral standards and family values as they blocked the LGBTQ+ cruise, affecting about 1,900 passengers and forcing new stops in Egypt and Greece.
- On July 2, Turkish authorities in Aydın province denied docking permission to an Atlantis Events–chartered cruise aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, citing 'moral standards' and 'family values,' blocking planned stops in Kuşadası on July 7 and Istanbul.
- Atlantis CEO Rich Campbell called the decision unprecedented, stating it marks the first time in the company's 36-year history that authorities actively denied docking based on passenger identity, despite visiting Istanbul and Kuşadası 13 times over 25 years.
- The cancellation affects about 1,900 passengers, including roughly 1,100 from the United States. Performer Patti LuPone, scheduled to entertain passengers, expressed shock and fury: 'I am furious, but I am sailing,' while the ship rerouted to Cairo, Egypt and Crete, Greece.
- Atlantis estimated the canceled visit would cost the Turkish economy about $1 million. Campbell noted that despite extensive calls with the U.S. Embassy in Turkey, they were 'not able to get the Turkish authorities to move' on the decision.
- The cruise ban reflects a decade-long pattern: Turkish authorities have banned Istanbul Pride marches annually since 2015, with at least 50 detained on June 28. Proposed amendments to the 11th Judicial Package would criminalize behavior deemed 'contrary to biological sex and general morality.
111 Articles
111 Articles
“Furious” Pattli LuPone speaks out after Turkey blocks gay cruise from docking due to “moral values”
Authorities in Turkey blocked a gay cruise from docking in the country this past Thursday, claiming that it would violate the region’s “moral values.” This sparked the ire of Tony-winning Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who is scheduled to perform on board. The cruise, operated by American LGBTQ+ tourism company Atlantis Events, set sail from Greece on Sunday and was originally scheduled to stop in the port city of Kuşadası on July 7 before headin…
In Turkey, a cruise ship catering to LGBT passengers was denied permission to dock. Local authorities explicitly cited homophobic reasons, accusing the ship's occupants of behavior incompatible with Turkish societal values. Atlantis, the cruise line, expressed its regret over the incident, stating that it had never encountered such a decision in its 36-year history.
Turkey refuses LGBTQ+ Virgin Voyages cruise from docking over 'moral values'
Organised by Atlantis Events, the world's largest gay travel company, its president and CEO, Rich Campbell, dubbed the entry ban "stunning" The post Turkey refuses LGBTQ+ Virgin Voyages cruise from docking over ‘moral values’ appeared first on Attitude.
Turkey has refused to allow a cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ passengers and Broadway star Patti LuPone to dock, with local authorities saying their behavior was "inconsistent with the fabric of our society and our moral values."
The Turkish authorities have prevented an LGBTQ+ cruise from docking in the port of Kuşadası, on the Aegean coast. Turkey argues that the cruise does not correspond to the "moral standards" of the country.
Why Did Turkey Deny Entry to an LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship Carrying 2,000 Passengers? | 🌎 LatestLY
A cruise ship carrying around 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and Broadway star Patti LuPone has been denied entry to Turkey after authorities said the event did not align with the country's 'social structure and moral values.' 🌎 Why Did Turkey Deny Entry to an LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship Carrying 2,000 Passengers?.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
