Turkey and Egypt have refused to allow the Scarlet Lady, a cruise ship carrying LGBTQ+ people, to anchor. Turkiye cited family values and public concern as the reasons for this. No statement has come from Egypt’s side yet.
The cruise ship (Scarlet Lady) set out for a journey from Athens to Venice (Italy) has run into trouble. Two Muslim countries have refused to anchor this ship carrying about 2000 homosexual people. These two thousand people include the teams of ‘Virgin Voyages’ and ‘Atlantis’. Turkey initially refused to give shelter to this ship citing family values. Now Egypt has also refused to allow these people to land at its port. According to sources, this ship is now looking for another port.
According to CNN report, this cruise ship also includes famous Broadway artist Patti LuPone, who has expressed her displeasure over not being allowed to anchor by Turkey and Egypt. Patty also shared this entire incident on her social media handle. He told that after heartbreak in Turkey, we were going towards Egypt. But this morning he was informed in his room that Egypt has also refused permission to stay. Where will be his next stop now? It is not known. Cruz is looking for another option.
Company Atlantis Events expressed surprise at the decision
Atlantis Events, which runs this cruise, has also expressed surprise at Egypt’s decision. Company CEO Rich Campbell said he was surprised by the decision. Because the last time the cruise reached Cairo, there was no problem. “People need to know that Atlantis and Virgin Voyages tried to have their event in Alexandria. But it has been put on hold. This is disappointing for all of us,” he said.
What is the whole matter?
According to CNN report, this cruise ship named Scarlet Lady is operated by Virgin Voyages. Atlantis Events, a travel company that organizes LGBTQ+ events around the world, had organized a 10-day trip from Athens to Venice through this ship. There are mostly gay people on board this ship. This cruise was to anchor at two ports in Turkey as per its schedule. But the Turkish government refused to do so, citing family values and moral values.
Turkiye said- concern among our people
Turkish officials clearly stated, “This cruise has been chartered by a group that does not match the structure of our society. The news of the arrival of this ship caused a lot of concern among the public. Therefore, it has been stopped.” Turkiye may have given a reason for stopping it. But till now no response has come from Egypt. Only the authorities have communicated their decision to the cruise crew. However, according to experts, Egypt is also refusing to allow them to come to Cairo due to Turkish reasons. Because both the countries have strict laws regarding homosexuals. Turkish President Erdogan did not even allow the ‘Pride Parade’ to be held in March. Tried to protest against this. He was arrested.
