The Scarlet Lady, a cruise ship carrying about 1,900 passengers—the majority of whom are American citizens and gay men—was denied permission to dock in Egypt and Turkey over what Ankara described as moral values inconsistent with the Muslim nation’s practices.
The Turkish government refused to allow the LGBTQ promoters to dock in Kusadasi on the Aegean coast, leaving the ship stranded and adrift for a day, according to Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, the cruise organiser.
Turkish authorities said the cruise, “Athens to Venice,” was planned by groups “known for behaviours that do not align with the structure of our society” and “caused great discomfort” to Turks.
“It’s pretty stunning, to be honest. I mean, and the reasoning behind it is that it’s a gay group,” CNN cited Mr Campbell as saying.
“It’s very concerning to me when a country decides they can pick and choose which tourists are allowed in and which are not,” he added.
The Mediterranean cruise ship decided to berth in Egypt as an alternative route but was again denied access, about four hours from Alexandria, where it had intended to dock.
Egypt did not provide a reason for its decision.
“I am shocked,” said Patti LuPone, a popular Broadway actress and singer, in a social media post. “A ship — a magnificent ship — full of gay men. And me. Denied entry to Turkey simply because of who is on board. I am furious, but I am sailing.”
