Turkey Bans LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship, Citing 'Moral Standards'

Turkish authorities have denied an LGBTQ+-focused cruise ship, the "Scarlet Lady," permission to dock in Turkish ports, citing the passengers' alleged behavior as incompatible with the country's "moral standards" and "family values."

The cruise, organized by Atlantis Events, was scheduled to visit Kuşadası and Istanbul in July. However, local officials informed the company that the ship's visit was canceled, with the Aydın province authorities stating there was "absolutely no possibility" for the group to visit.

Richard Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events, expressed shock and concern over the decision. "The reasoning is simply because it's a gay group," Campbell told CNN. "I'm very concerned when a country decides it can pick and choose which tourists it allows in and which it doesn't." He noted this was the first time in the company's 36-year history that a port explicitly denied them entry based on the identity of their passengers.

The decision comes as Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has adopted an increasingly harsh stance against the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. Istanbul has banned Pride parades since 2015, citing security risks and public order concerns.

Atlantis Events has rerouted the cruise to dock in Cairo, Egypt, and on the Greek island of Crete instead. The cruise, described as an "epic adventure," was expected to carry over 1,000 passengers from the United States, along with travelers from the UK, Canada, and Australia.