British, Seychelles Nationals In Dubai Sentenced To 3-Years For Public Gay Sex
A British and a Seychelles national have both been sentenced to three years in prison after being arrested for an out-of-doors romp last year.
From Gay Star News:
A 28-year-old British male teacher, identified only by his initials PA, admitted to having consensual gay sex with MB, a 40-year-old man from the Seychelles, next to a petrol station in February 2011.
The pair were said to have been drunk after a birthday celebration for one of them after which they stopped by a tree next to the petrol station for sex.
A man parked behind the petrol station witnessed the two men and reported them to police.
...
During a court hearing in March this year (2012) they both admitted to having consensual sex and consuming alcohol. Each was sentenced to three years in jail and both will be deported after serving their prison terms.
On a related note, two Bangladeshi men were sentenced to six months in jail and deportation after having sex in a public bathroom. In case you didn't figure it out, same-sex sex is prohibited in Dubai.
Well, having read the threads where RIN was pilloried for her opinions, called a troll, etc., I can understand her conundrum. There certainly is a spectrum. We do not have a monolithic "lifestyle." There are those in the community that say that being gay is about rejecting all norms, that we shouldn't ape heterosexual mores regarding relationships and sexuality. To them I say, it's a free country, but you don't speak for all of us. Some of us are truly happy having relationships and respecting others as we would like to be respected. Some of us don't see it as a hardship to have sex in private. The process of identity development includes growing into an identity that is individual as well as the kind of maturity that doesn't see the need to be in your face about everything; that being a citizen has both rights and responsibilities. Children want what they want when they want it. Adults have emotional intelligence. It isn't always about you.
Posted by: TJ | Apr 12, 2012 1:54:57 PM
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/12/207242.html
Posted by: Myackie | Apr 12, 2012 2:55:28 PM
I've said it before that part of my previous activism was due to having some gay uncles that during my awkward phase had a lot of sympathy and always made me feel better about being 5 ft 8 in the 6th grade and made the whole Godzilla thing a huge joke for me.
The other is due to the fact that I have observed behavior/feelings in my oldest, lovely child that could end up with her potentially being a member of the GLBT community.
What I don't want for her is a life where her sexuality, her being is the disposable commodity of others. If progress is lending herself, her individual uniqueness and personhood to the only concept of female empowerment of this era (sexuality) then I don't like progress. :(
Oddly, in spite of his misogyny I kinda like Rick because he keeps it real with me. With Rick I know where I stand. He sees and observes that a woman's sex is what is valued--not our spirits.
The whole world tells you that instant gratification, hyper-sexuality is the way to go. I, myself, once thought it was so "rock and roll". Once entered into a relationship of real intimacy, and wanting only to be loved by that one person with passion and fury...I can see how much more awesome and gratifying in a sustainable way that it can be.
I understand the "thrill" of public sex...the fear of reprisal and punishment elevates the brain chemistry and spikes activity among neurotransmitters. But that's all it is and it, like drugs, is unhealthy to society as it infringes upon the rights of other people to experience their day to day existence without having to "share" in your personal life and experiences.
Posted by: Rin | Apr 12, 2012 3:04:27 PM
Why would they go there? Was it for Vacation or Work. If work I understand. But if it was for Vacation? I just would try not to spend my dollars in such a anti gay place.
I'm planning to take my first cruises, and want to keep it on the cheap since I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it. The cheapest cruises for me are to the Bahamas/Jamaica. I don't plan to do anything "gay" with anyone, but since these places are so aint gay. I'll kick in an extra $100 or so and get a cruise with friendlier ports.
Posted by: Billy | Apr 12, 2012 3:16:46 PM
Being stupid always carries bad consequences. But being stupid in those backward countries can even be lethal. Next time make a stop in the brains supermarket and get a functioning one. By the way, alcoholism is a disease, not the mandatory way to have fun.
Posted by: SayTheTruth | Apr 12, 2012 3:39:51 PM
@Billy :
Why aren't you going to St.Croix in the US Virgin islands. i've been there many times and it's a discreet non-Cruise-ship-day- tripper place.
In fact it is so very different because of its Danish heritage .
Posted by: JackFknTwist | Apr 12, 2012 3:41:19 PM
While muslim countries are generally homophobic, saying it's an antigay arrest is plain stupid. It's for public SEX indecency! Even in US you'll be arrested whether gay or straight. Hell i'm gay and i'll report you as well. I hate gays who fuel stereotypes against gays. They get what they asked for.
Posted by: eheh | Apr 12, 2012 5:03:12 PM
If humans just allowed free, open, PUBLIC sex anywhere, anytime, sort of like the bonobo chimps, the world would be a much less violent place.
Posted by: Wren | Apr 12, 2012 5:10:45 PM
What's the penalty for straight public sex in Dubai? [probably stoning of the woman... they're lucky they're both men] Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: Marco Luxe | Apr 12, 2012 11:53:39 PM
Despite all your slandering of Dubai, it's laws and their "idiocracies"; the fact remains that it's international population is 5.8 million, accounting for approx 88% of the total population. It has been reported as one of the safest countries in the world, a fantastic place to earn top dollar (tax free) and live like a king and a great tourist destination. Hats off to their 'laws' and 'strategies' that might seem ridiculous to some. Its just common sense - respect the laws of the country you are in and don't claim ignorance as a defense. Go figure...
Posted by: Ryan Peterson | Apr 13, 2012 12:00:36 AM
And FYI - the jail term of 3 years, has nothing to do with the "gay" aspect of the act. It was reported that one of the men attached the police officer with a broken bottle.
The fact is, this is pure public indecency: Drunk and outdoor sex! You don't need to be in a muslim country to know that this is not the way educated people behave.
Posted by: Ryan Peterson | Apr 13, 2012 12:09:58 AM
@RYAN PETERSON, Sorry to break you ignorance bubble: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html
As you see, you are just ignorant of the facts. I guess good publicity is easier when there is plenty of money to cover up the dire truth.
Posted by: SayTheTruth | Apr 13, 2012 2:16:27 AM
@SAYTHE TRUTH
THE "FACT" still remains that there are still 5.8m people (and growing) that DO see some benefit of staying there. Are they forced to stay there? .. no.. yet they are flocking in from every corner of the world.
The government policies and mindset should not be the focus of attention (as you boldly pointed out with your european published DRIBBLE - written by a journalist who has a life full of shameful controversy), the focus here should be on the lack of education behind 2 counts of public indecency and 1 count of assault. Whether your gay or straight, there is no excuse.
PS. i wouldn't refer to a Johann Hari article again if i were you.., it hasn't worked out to well for him either.
Posted by: ryan peterson | Apr 13, 2012 6:51:28 AM
Let's put it this way for you @SAYTHETRUTH: you have a fancy house, where you keep the door open for guests. Next to the door is a set of rules that you assume they understand before entering. someone comes into YOUR house and has a dump in your Kitchen. Do we talk about the way your kitchen is managed, or how you got your fancy cutlery? NO we talk about the fact that this person doesn't have any common sense!
When it comes to any government.. We all suffer from some form of ignorance. But your on a whole different level of ignorance. I've lived in Dubai for 8 years. Earned big bucks, I behaved myself and was treated with respect. Left Dubai on good terms back to Australia for the sake of my daughters education but I have no hesitation is recommending Dubai to ANYONE (given that they have some level of decency) and I will be happy to return in the future.
Posted by: Ryan Peterson | Apr 13, 2012 7:29:11 AM