- An LGBTQ+ cruise ship , chartered by Atlantis Events, was banned from docking in Turkey by local authorities who cited the group's "moral values" as incompatible with their society.
- The cruise, carrying around 2,000 guests, mostly from the United States, was scheduled to visit Kuşadası and Istanbul as part of its Greek islands and Dalmatian coast tour.
- Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell stated this was the first time the company had been denied entry to Turkey , expressing that the decision sends a "cruel message" that not everyone is welcome.
- Following the ban, the cruise itinerary was altered to replace the Turkish stops with calls in Cairo, Egypt, and the Greek island of Crete.
- The incident occurs amid a broader context of declining LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, where President Erdoğan has made anti-LGBTQ+ statements and Pride celebrations have been banned since 2015.
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