local
Twice-rejected American cruise puts spotlight on rollback of LGBTQ rights, passengers say
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 11, 2026
· 5 min read
By Billy Stockwell, CNN
(CNN) — Greg Morley has spent decades sailing around the world on LGBTQ+ cruises with his husband, visiting far-flung destinations across the Americas, Asia and Europe – all from the safety of a ship where, he says, “everyone belongs.”
So, when the 59-year-old Philadel...
Key takeaway ” So, when the 59-year-old Philadelphian, who now lives in Paris, embarked on his latest “Athens to Venice” voyage, overseen by LGBTQ travel company Atlantis Events, he said he couldn’t wait to see the “amazing and iconic” sights on offer.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The rejection of the LGBTQ+ cruise by Turkish and Egyptian authorities has significant implications for the El Paso community, which has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion. As a city with a strong military presence and a growing tourism industry, El Paso often welcomes visitors from around the world, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. The rollback of LGBTQ rights in other countries serves as a reminder that El Paso's own efforts to promote inclusivity are crucial, not just for its residents, but also for the visitors it attracts. The city's ability to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, is essential to its reputation as a vibrant and inclusive destination. As the El Paso community continues to grow and evolve, it must remain vigilant in its support for LGBTQ+ rights and ensure that all individuals feel valued and respected.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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What is this story about? By Billy Stockwell, CNN
(CNN) — Greg Morley has spent decades sailing around the world on LGBTQ+ cruises with his husband, visiting far-flung destinations across the Americas, Asia and Europe – all from the safety of a ship where, he says, “everyone belongs.”
So, when the 59-year-old Philadel...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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