THE TOP 5 HOTSPOTS NOT TO VISIT!
1. THE MALDVIVES
This south-Asian island nation withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2016 to protest international criticism of its human rights violations, including gay rights.
In 2008 it was one of 57 countries that opposed a UN resolution for LGBTIQ rights. The islands depend economically on tourism so turns a blind eye to same-sex visitors, but two local men were arrested in their home and charged with homosexuality in 2015. Sharia Law has been implemented against gay men through lashings, jail terms and death penalties.
2. ZANZIBAR
This former Spice Island off the coast of Africa has long attracted international sun-seeking beach lovers. Zanzibari law has a penalty of 14 years imprisonment for men who engage in sex with other men. Like The Maldives, tourists are generally left alone as long as they keep to themselves but there are no hospitals where local LGBTIQ people can access treatment and there have been protests against gay travel groups. During a discussion on homosexuality Zanzibar’s Prime Minister boldly declared, “Even animals can’t do such a thing!”
3. FIJI
Planning a quick romantic getaway to this Pacific island for you and your betrothed? Think again. In 2016 the Fijian Prime Minister told gay couples they should “move to Iceland”. On the subject of gay marriage, he further added that, “Fiji does not need that rubbish.” In 2005, an Australian tourist had sex with a local man and they were both arrested and tried, but eventually the case was dismissed. Subsequently, same-sex activity was made illegal in 2010 – the same year gay marriage became legal in Iceland, coincidentally.
4. DUBAI /ABU DHABI
In this dual United Arab Emirates shoppers’ paradise even straight people have been arrested for daring to kiss in public or accidentally brushing past the wrong person at the wrong time. As for LGBTIQ rights, they are best described as “suppressed”. All sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage are considered a crime. In 2013, UAE sought to create a test to use to ban gay foreigners. Unsurprisingly, it never eventuated. Nonetheless, sodomy is considered on the same level as rape – with the death sentence for both.
5. EGYPT AND TURKEY
It’s a toss-up as to which might actually be the worst. As Turkish President Erdogan becomes increasingly dictatorial, his scapegoating of homosexuals accelerates. Istanbul was once a vibrant, progressive city with a thriving gay scene. Erdogan has banned the Pride parade and all LGBTIQ cultural events as he moves the country away from secular values.
Any hope that the 2011 Arab Spring might bring gay rights to Egypt have been quickly dashed. In September last year, at a rock concert by the Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila, seven fans who waved rainbow flags were arrested and charged with “inciting immorality”. The band’s lead singer, Hamed Sinno is openly gay and an LGBTIQ activist. The band will not be allowed to perform in Egypt again.
Gay men are regularly entrapped by authorities using hook-up apps. Homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt but LGBTIQ people are often charged with “debauchery”.
BERMUDA GOES BACKWARDS
In February this year the island territory of Bermuda next to the Caribbean, repealed last year’s marriage equality ruling, therefore stripping same-sex Bermudan couples of the right to marry. It appears to make them the first place in the world to repeal marriage equality.
DO WE NEED TO BOYCOTT BALI?
The Indonesian parliament recently commenced hearings on a bill seeking to criminalise any sexual act (straight or gay) outside of marriage, and reclassifying homosexuality as a mental illness. In a year that will see the commencement of a presidential campaign, it’s likely the bill will pass. For gay men, both locals and overseas visitors, this could mean up to 12 years jail for convictions.
Even though Bali is a predominantly Hindu island, it is still part of greater Muslim Indonesia, which last year arrested 120 gay men at a sauna in Jakarta and saw gay men caned in the province of Ache.
In 2015, a Balinese gay wedding ceremony resulted in blasphemy charges against those at the hotel where it was held. It’s highly likely Bali will soon become yet another former hotspot now a “notspot” for gay travellers.
The bulk of Bali’s tourism comes from Australia followed by China, France, Germany and the US.
ABSOLUTELY-NOT-SPOTS!
The Russian Republic of Chechnya and the African country of Zimbabwe don’t just talk about hating the gays, they take action. Chechnya’s President, Ramzan Kadyrov is happy to live with international condemnation if it means he can carry out plans to “purge” his country of gay people. Last year, murder, torture and public humiliation became commonplace in Kadyrov’s Moscow-funded anti-gay pogrom. Chechnya has imposed the death penalty for sexual relations between men since 1996.
Even though long-time dictator and gayhater Robert Mugabe has been deposed it is unlikely anything will change for gay rights in the basket case of Africa.
Mugabe once described gays as being worse than pigs or dogs and his government actively carried out anti-gay campaigns. In 2001, UK gay rights activist Peter Tatchell attempted a citizen’s arrest of Mugabe in Brussels, for the crime of torturing gay people, but was beaten unconscious by Mugabe’s security goons.
On the question of LGBTIQ rights, the country’s new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa has said, “In our constitution, it is banned – and it is my duty to obey my constitution.”