SHOULD GAY CRUISES STOP AT ANTI-GAY PORTS?
The two men arrested for indecent exposure during a gay cruise have been released on the Caribbean island of Dominica, but questions are being asked about why the ship stopped at an anti-gay port in the first place.
Americans Robert Hart (41) and Dennis Jay Mayer (53) were spotted having sex on the Celebrity Summit ship by locals on the docks in the town of Roseau.
Police boarded the ship, arrested the men and held them until they were found guilty of indecent exposure.
They were each fined around U.S. $900 before being released.
The American company behind the cruise, Atlantis Events, has now come under fire for organising gay cruises that stop at ports that have anti-gay laws.
Rich Campbell, Atlantis Events President, issued a statement about the incident, saying that people should “get the facts correct before condemning Atlantis or Dominica for what happened”.
According to Campbell, the “guests were seen engaging in a sexual act outdoors on their balcony in full public view of the port and town. Not only did many of the residents witness the act, several of our guests saw this incident as well”.
He insisted that the “arrests had nothing to do with the guests’ sexual orientation, nor was any ‘anti-gay’ law invoked. These guests were engaged in behaviour that is inappropriate in any port of call, or major city for that matter.”
Police officials, however, said that they considered charging the men with sodomy, which is illegal in Dominica and carries penalties including 10 years in prison, but chose not to do so because it would have taken too long to prosecute.
“…we decided that it was in our best interest to deal expeditiously with the issue and get the individuals out of our island as quickly as possible,” Dominican Police Chief Cyril Carette told thedominican.net.
Writing on the Atlantis Events Facebook page, one commentator, Brian James, said: “Our gay dollars shouldn’t be given to countries who criminalize “buggery” or Sodomy, or a normal behaviour between partners. Removing our gay dollars from their port may convince them to change their laws. Just because they are ‘old laws’ doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally enforce them.”
What do you think? Should gay cruise companies stop at ports that have laws that persecute gays and lesbians?
Why the hell not? We’ve got nothing to lose and all the recognition to gain…
Gay people should anyway not visit any homophobic countries. Why support there economy if you are not welcome? Dubai is such a good example…
Andy, you make a good point there..and Derek…I’m so agreeing with you. As a traveler myself, I only visit countries where same sex is legalize..or where they are very gay friendly..
I think the issue is two-fold. No, I don’t think gay cruise companies should stop at at those anti-gay ports. Not because you’ll get arrested because of the sex, but any anti-gay country or people MIGHT be looking for any excuse to be prejudice and take action against LGBTI people. Even if one “looks” gay I suppose, could be good enough excuse for them. So I don’t think people should go looking for trouble. Let them lose the tourism value if they don’t accept certain kinds of people.
On the other hand, even though sex is normal between consenting adults (regardless of their orientation) I’m sure people don’t want to see it, whether it’s hetero, gay or whatever. Not in public. The fact that it’s a gay cruise is irrelevant. Not being a prude, but there is time and place for everything. Even places where one can go and be a complete exhibitionist. But out in the open where everybody can see, whether they want to or not, is not cool in my opinion.
And don’t give me that crap of “just look the other way”. Trust me, you’ll want to look…whether it’s appreciated or disapproving. There’s also this ‘rebellious’ tendency among gay people that the more we show ‘them’ who we are by emphasising our SEXuality, the more we feel like activists and fighting for the cause. There are even porn sites dedicated to gay men having sex in public- with the perspective of “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to screw right here”. I’d be put off by anyone having sex in a public place, if it’s not THAT type of public place. It’s not internalised homophobia or whatever, but, men, women, banana, be who you are, do what you do, but don’t push it down people’s throats… so to speak.
The rule should be simple; Do it. Do it much and as crazy as you’d like, but do it where and when it’s cool.
they were wrong. I wouldn’t particularly want to see anyone having sex on their balcony. So i do think they were wrong in that regards, BUT it’s definitely not the right thing to visit ports with anti-gay laws…
Geez, guys get a bedroom, kitchen , stairs, table, gym ball but do it privately. You are not dogs but human beings. They deserved to be arrested. Plain stupid
As for not going to anti-gay ports – it depends on the level of tolerence. If being gay is illegal , hell yeah. If it is tolerated and not illegal – the more gay people visit – the chances the more tolerent over time the people will become seeing same gay individuals and sex couples from all over the world.
if you do it in public face the consequencs
Ditto to all the comments. This whole debarcle is all about two complete idiots having sex in public and NOTHING to do with being GAY! They lucky they got off so lightly. Not sure about the other question. My husband and I have travelled to many countries where we’re suspect… and NEVER had a problem! It’s all about how you conduct yourself. We always have a ball…hmmm where ever we go *smiley*
Please guys control yourself, there is a time and place for everything but not in public.
never ever imbarace convention and I believe certain things should be kept private
this ship is the MV explorer which belongs to Semester at Sea. get it right reporter!