The Shadow of Bigotry: Egypt’s Sudden Decision to Block a Gay Cruise

Egyptian authorities have blocked entry to a 2SLGBTQ+ cruise ship in the Mediterranean, just days after Turkey refused access to the same vessel. The Scarlet Lady cruise ship, owned by Virgin Voyages and chartered by Atlantis Events, was denied entry into Egyptian waters hours before it was due to arrive in Alexandria.

This decision marks the second time this week that authorities have refused access to the ship, following Turkey’s earlier announcement that the cruise would not be allowed to dock at its ports. The itinerary had already been revised once after Turkey’s refusal, with stops replaced by calls in Alexandria and Crete, Greece.

Egypt and Turkey have recently demonstrated an increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, using language that echoes the rhetoric of exclusionary ideologies. In Turkey’s case, authorities cited “behaviours incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values” as justification for denying entry to the ship. This kind of language is reminiscent of far-right movements in Western countries, which often rely on similar tropes to justify their anti-LGBTQ+ agendas.

The implications of these actions are far-reaching. If governments can pick and choose which tourists they allow into their ports based on their perceived values or identities, it sets a chilling precedent for the rest of the world. This trend also raises questions about the role of tourism in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. When governments use tourism as a tool to exert control over who they allow into their borders, it undermines the very principles of global citizenship that underpin international travel.

The Scarlet Lady cruise ship was intended to be a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, but instead, it has become a symbol of the intolerance that threatens to divide us. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face persecution and marginalization around the world, events like these serve as a stark reminder of the challenges they still face.

In his statement on Turkey’s decision, Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, said, “The reasoning behind [Turkey’s decision] is that it’s a gay group.” These words represent a stark reality that we cannot afford to ignore. As we watch the Scarlet Lady cruise ship sail on to its next destination, we must also recognize the harm caused by these actions and acknowledge the need for greater vigilance in defending human rights.

The future of global travel hangs in the balance. Will other countries follow suit, using their borders as a tool to enforce conformity or exclusion? The answer remains uncertain. However, one thing is certain: we must remain vigilant and continue to push back against the forces that seek to divide us.