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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 4 of 13)
Mike Jul 10th 2008 8:26AM
I do absolutely agree that when you live or visit another country you should have at least a base understanding of their laws. That being said just because something is a law doesnt make it good and just because something is illegal doesnt mean that the punishment is fitting. I think she should have been arrested for her actions but a punishment of 3 years is pretty rediculous. Also (not that this is an excuse) but most people (including most of you Im sure) are ignorant to MANY of the laws in their own country even after growing up there.
JIM Jul 10th 2008 8:28AM
A TICKET AND A FINE WOULD BE ANUF DONT YOU THINK???
IT WAS NOT RAPE, THAY ARE 2 ADULTS, AND THAY SHOULD HAVE GOT A ROOM.
BUT I COULD SEE HOW IT COULD HAPPEN!
beacher Jul 10th 2008 8:29AM
If Dubai wants attract westerners they really need to mellow out on their antiquated religious laws!
jamie Jul 10th 2008 11:09AM
and put what in the their travel magazines for tourists?
Come to Dubai and have sex on our beaches?
Tourists need to respect the laws of the country they are visiting. It's not your place to suggest that they change their beliefs and laws to suit you....there are an awful lot of countries to visit in this world, pick one where you can do whatever the heck you want and stay out of the ones that have rules you disagree with
DMDMD56 Jul 10th 2008 8:29AM
They deserve the Dumbasses of the Year Award!
Tigerlily Jul 10th 2008 8:39AM
With such strict laws and punishment it's no wonder they think we're the evil empire. What I don't get is why not many other countries?
Anyway, it seems to me the real problem was the drinking. She obviously knew it was against the law since she was there for 3 years, so if she wasn't drunk she most likely wouldn't have done it. It's a shame.
DrDan Jul 10th 2008 8:41AM
Respect of the laws and knowledge of the potential punishment for breaking those laws are facts that every person should be aware of in any country. Ignoring those laws shows contempt and disrespect.
Sorry but there is no sympathy here. "Get a room!"
Dr.Dan
John C. Billingsley, Jr. Jul 10th 2008 8:40AM
Gee I thought that the bigest danger with having sex on the Beach was getting sand in your schlitz.
Angiebaby Jul 10th 2008 8:40AM
Having a glass too many, then sneaking away for a little ocean front interlude? Sounds good so far. (Not that I've ever done it. I have yet to meet anybody worth all that damned sand, or potentially drowning.) But in broad daylight? In a country where it is strictly forbidden? And you have lived/worked there for several years and are well aware of the harsh, unbending consequences for crimes such as this? It's hard to feel sorry for her. Sounds like she's just about 6-years worth of stupid.
Brett Jul 10th 2008 8:40AM
Anyone have her phone number????
Truthteller Jul 10th 2008 8:44AM
Casual sex is dangerous and inappropriate wherever it's practised. Shame on both of them! And no wonder the rest of the world hates the liberal West. Girls used to save their milk and cookies for marriage. The sexual revolution has been very destructive to females. Smarten up, girls!
Frenchy Jul 10th 2008 10:57AM
I second that.....
darla lafem Jul 10th 2008 8:53AM
Everyone don't want to see someone
else having Sex..keep it behind closed doors..
If you want others to see envite them over
for a show. Just dont forse it on us who dont want
to see you in the act.
Darla
Jackson Jul 10th 2008 8:48AM
I lived in Kuwait for a year and they are much stricter than Dubai. I know a lot of people who could have been jailed for their behavior, but weren't caught...especially, the having sex when not being married part, lol. Also, even though alcohol is forbidden in Kuwait, it was easily accessible... Also, even in Kuwait the flight attendants were big time party gals and got intoxicated on a regular basis.. Especially, the UK and Irish girls. Had to do it in private, but there were always expat parties you could go to. Talk about dancing on the table...quite a show they'd put on. I don't remember any arrests, but I do know of a few couples turned away at hotels for trying to check in and not being married...you have to show passports, or you did back then.
Eleanor Peters Jul 10th 2008 8:53AM
I for one would never visit Saudi Arabia. I know what the laws are there and would not take the chance of breaking them by mistake. There are plenty of good othercountrues to visit. I have been to Portugal and id was not only beautiful but inspiring. Trash on the beaches have no morals. They got what they deserved just for being seen together as that was breking the laws. So they are paying the price of breaking the law in another country. You not only have to know what the laws are there, you have to not break them.
joann s. Jul 10th 2008 8:54AM
so why wasnt the man arrested as well...it takes two to have sex.........why is it the woman is the only one prosecuted?.....this is so typical all over the world....in prostitution or any other kind of sex, it is only the woman who goes to jail......also, if the woman should get pregnant, she is the one will all the responsibility most of the time....when are the women going to protest this kind of treatment world wide.....when are we going to have the same rights as men?......
Tigerlily Jul 10th 2008 8:56AM
Good comment, I agree.
The man in Georgia murdered his own daughter because she "dishonored" the family when she refused to go along with an arranged marriage. "Honor" murder is not done in this country yet when he goes to trial we are going to hear that's their culture and we have to understand.
I'm so tired of having to cow-tow to Muslims in our own country (they want jobs here so we have to accomodate their religion or face law suits, etc...) Does anyone believe they would respect another's religion or way of life??? NO...
They should fine and deport them both and be done with it, but they won't.
ramona Jul 10th 2008 9:01AM
What about Vince? Does he get jail time?
It took two to have sex on the beach.
LORRAINE Jul 10th 2008 9:03AM
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES, I WOULD THINK LIVING THEIR FOR THREE YEARS SHE WOULD KNOW WHAT RULES APPLY, WELL NOW SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY REAL HARD FOR HAVING FUN, AND ONCE AGAIN A MAN GETS AWAY WITH EVERYTHING.
Jen Jul 10th 2008 9:10AM
I suppose he got off?? No pun intended but it takes two to tango, why was he not arrested also??