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Turkey blocks American LGBTQ+ cruise from docking, citing ‘moral standards’
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Turkish authorities have banned the Scarlet Lady cruise, catering to American LGBTQ+ travelers, from docking in Kuşadası and Istanbul, citing concerns over “moral standards” and “family values.”
- The cruise, organized by Atlantis Events and departing from Greece on July 5, was expected to host over 1,000 passengers from the US but will now stop in Cairo and Crete instead of Turkey.
- This marks the first time in 36 years that Atlantis Events has been explicitly denied port access due to the identity of its guests, highlighting increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric under President Erdogan’s AK Party.
- Turkish officials have also raided a bar in Istanbul linked to an unapproved party, while Atlantis Events emphasized their intention to respect local cultures and focus on tourism rather than politics.
- The decision has drawn criticism from Atlantis CEO Rich Campbell, who expressed concern over Turkey’s selective acceptance of tourists based on their sexual orientation.
