Apology to gay tourist.

The Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism has issued an official apology to a man who was detained by police after publicly kissing his boyfriend at a local bar, reports Caribbean Net News (May 8, 2008):

An investigation is being launched into the incident, where an off-duty officer took tourist Aaron Chandler to the George Town Police Station after he kissed his boyfriend on the dance floor at a popular Seven Mile Beach bar. Director of Tourism Pilar Bush subsequently wrote to Chandler: "I apologize for your upsetting experience and want to assure you that the Cayman Islands is a welcoming jurisdiction to all people. "What happened to you was an isolated incident, and is not representative of Cayman. We know that thousands of gay and lesbian visitors travel to the Cayman Islands every year and enjoy their vacation," she continued, adding: "I am truly sorry to learn of what you went through during your visit";

Legal sources have confirmed that the Cayman Islands does not have any law on its books that prohibits same-sex couples from publicly displaying affection. Chandler said in the complaint that a crowd of nearly 20 people from the bar pleaded with the officer to release him as he was "dragged" outside. On the drive to the George Town Police Station, he said the responding officer told him that "the law is stupid and a waste of time, but that he has to enforce it";

Chandler, an active gay and lesbian rights advocate, is the Board President of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition in Washington DC and former Commissioner of the City of Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities. The Wikitravel.org website warns gay and lesbian travelers, saying, "The Cayman Islands is not a safe place for gay and lesbian tourists," and adding: "It is best to avoid the Cayman Islands as a destination if you are gay or lesbian."