Turkey blocks cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and a ‘furious’ Patti LuPone, citing ‘moral values’
Summary
A cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and performer Patti LuPone was blocked from entering Turkey because authorities said the group’s behavior did not fit the country’s moral values. The ship had planned to stop in the Turkish port of Kuşadası, but will now go to Cairo and Crete instead.Key Facts
- The ship, Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, started its cruise from Athens on July 5.
- The cruise was organized by Atlantis, a US company specializing in LGBTQ+ trips.
- Turkish authorities in Aydin province canceled the ship’s stop in Kuşadası citing public concern and moral reasons.
- Patti LuPone is performing on the cruise and expressed anger at the ban.
- Atlantis Events said this is the first time in 36 years they were told not to dock because of their passengers’ identity.
- The company has tried, without success, to change Turkey’s decision even with help from the US embassy.
- Homosexuality is legal in Turkey, but LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination and hostility, including from top government leaders.
- The ship will make alternative stops in Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
