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Having sex on a beach can get you jail time
World travel is a wonderful thing--or can have dire consequences when cultures clash. Having sex in a public place isn't exactly celebrated in western culture, but it's not uncommon--particularly under the cover of night when the stretch of a beach seems private.
In some cultures having "safe sex" is more than using a condom.
In Dubai, if you get caught having sex in public, you will get arrested and face years in jail--six in fact. Such is the possible fate of Michelle Palmer, a British woman who has worked in Dubai for three years. She and her male companion were caught having sex. If all goes well, she might only be in jail for three months--the minimum sentence.
The story is not complicated. Palmer, a manager of ITP Publishing was at a champagne brunch where the bubbly stuff flowed. Eventually, smashed and feeling frisky, she and a man headed to the beach for some adult fun and letting off steam.
Unfortunately, the police came along. Having sex in public in Dubai is not the only big no-no. So is having sex if you are unmarried. So is being drunk. Three strikes, you're out. Or in--as in jail.
This article in MailOnline gives the scoop. As I'm reading between the lines, I see a traveler's tale that is not so uncommon of others I've heard. When living in a culture that is different from ones own, it's difficult to stay vigilant--to not slide into comfort and think that you're safe when you are being yourself.
These women SHOULD have gotten jail time, no?
Yes, people who live overseas know that if you live in another culture, and the laws are strict, you need to abide by them. In the beginning, that's not so hard. You're caught up in a new culture, new experiences and you're a well-behaved guest. Then, guest status wanes, and you get bored--or complacent-- or horny. Mix in alcohol and there's a recipe for a world of trouble. Sometimes the trouble is so silly, it's hard to believe.
A friend of mine was at the end of three years of living in Saudi Arabia. He was at a party, had a bit to drink, and decided that the Canadian nurse who needed a ride ought to be able to get in the front seat of his car. They were arrested, tossed into prison, and he had no idea what was to become of him, particularly when his head was shaved and he was transported to a jail away from the city. In Saudi Arabia, an unmarried man and woman should not be out in public together. The woman is also not supposed to be in the front seat of a car, no matter who is driving. They were not dating. He was just giving her a ride.
Luckily for my friend, his company got involved. His boss was friends with a Saudi prince. My friend was sprung after two weeks. The Canadian nurse was released also, but "prostitute" was stamped in her passport. My friend can't go back to Saudi Arabia.
In Palmer's case, her company has dumped her since the company's aim is to maintain a good standing in Dubai. That also is not uncommon. If you have troubles overseas, don't expect help. People and companies will usually cut their losses to protect themselves.
Palmer, of course, wants this nightmare to be over and has stated that she's a good person. Of course she is, and I mean this sincerely. The problem is that all beaches are not the same and when you're traveling, keep that in mind.
If you have an urge to have sex, be very, very careful. Sure you have the condom, but that's not all that's needed to have safe sex in all circumstances--particularly if you're female. Notice that so far only Palmer has had her situation flaunted. Only the Canadian nurse was called a prostitute. My friend just lost his hair and that grew back.
The guy has only been mentioned in Palmer's story. All that's known is his name is Vince and he may have made Palmer an honest woman by marrying her.
I hope people get behind Palmer and help her get out of this mess. Since three months is the minimum sentence, I'm hoping she gets lucky.
UPDATE: The man is also being jailed.
Please keep your comments relevant to the topic. All abusive comments will be deleted. -- Ed.
Filed under: Stories, United Arab, United Kingdom, Nightlife, News, Travel Health
Reader Comments (Page 13 of 13)
Rand al thor Jul 12th 2008 8:52PM
How pathetic. Typical trashy british attitude. They have ruined ibiza, magalouf and other tourist areas with their chavy uncultured behaviour. I don't know but i find it's always the brits who cause problems when they travel abroad. Not content with ruining their country with trashy behaviour they want to spread their disease abroad.
This lady was given a warning and still decided to have a got at it stillwith her tit of a partner whom she just met some few hours ago. Dubai police should go commando on these filthy expats ruining this country. Go back to your countries if you want to fornicate in public.
Chowman Jul 14th 2008 5:03AM
New details are emerging about the incident and apparently, it's even worse than originally thought!
The media is now reporting that the police officer didn't just return to the beach to check on it. He returned because he was CALLED back by four furious Arabs who were sitting on the sand when Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors began having sex right in front of them on a sun lounger!
They say that Michelle was almost completely naked in front of all those men and didn't mind in the least. The Arab men minded. Even then, they might have been able to work it out but Michelle's abusive and violent behavior made a quiet resolution impossible.
It sounds like 'Vince Charming' needs to have an AIDS test before he heads back to all his ladies because he appears to have met his match. The tabloids are having a field day digging up dirt on Michelle and her friends (some friends, huh?) are busy providing it. They say that Michelle had an affair with a married Middle Easterner and when that ended, had multiple sex partners and frequently grabbed women's breasts when drunk (and that she was often drunk).
With the four Arab men and the police officer set to bear witness that they saw Vince and Michelle having sex in public and heard her tirade, it looks like they will get at least a few months in the slammer. Michelle will no doubt get a stiffer sentence since she attacked the police officer. Maybe a jail cell will cool her down some. If nothing else, it will force the promiscuous lush to dry out.
Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors are an embarrassment to the UK and it would serve them both right if Dubai throws the book at them.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1034765/Briton-held-Dubai-got-blame-says-police-commander.html
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Article.aspx?id=800586
bratt Jul 14th 2008 4:06PM
There is a differece between a prostitute and a person that has sex. The prostitute gets paid for having sex. The other does not. DID SHE GET PAID FOR HAVING SEX ? IF not then why would she be labled as one is the question?
Jamie Rhein Jul 14th 2008 4:07PM
If you're asking about the Canadian nurse in Saudi Arabia, perhaps this was meant as an insult. There wasn't any sex involved. It had to do with riding in the front seat of a car.
Kate Jul 15th 2008 11:11AM
Just fyi: sex in public can get you jail time in the United States as well.
Nikkic Jul 28th 2008 4:33PM
what i dont get is that everyone is giving Palmer a hard time about this (excuse the pun) but nobody seems to make any comment about the male unvolved in the situation. It Takes too to tango, Palmer wasnt on the beach on her own at all so she shouldnt have to take all the stick from this whole ordeal. Also they should not be punished for the whole sex outside marrige as they are not from the area originally and therefore should not have to refrain from sex if they want but keep it private... not everybiody wants to see you at it!!!!