Claims that Grenada is on the itinerary for all gay cruises in December 2007 and early 2008 have caused major stir within the past week.

Many have commented on the issue and it has sparked a number of debates across the country.

While many have expressed concern and in some instances disgust at the idea that at least four all-gay cruises are scheduled for Grenada, some believe what’s important is not their sexual orientation but their behaviour while in the street.

Tourism Minister Claris Modeste–Curwen says the itinerary does not specify which of the cruises will carry gay passengers.

But an in-depth on line search reveals that cruise liners Queen Mary 2 and Legend of the Seas have scheduled all gay cruises to Grenada.

The Grenada Board of Tourism’s cruise list for the period October 2007 to May 2008 shows that Legend of the Seas will make stops in Grenada on December 26th and during the months of January, February and March next year.

It also indicates that Queen Mary 2 will spend a few hours on December 27th.

The Tourism Minister says her government and the laws of the land do not support gay activities; and it is a matter of where the line is drawn since gays cannot be stopped from entering the country. “As a government our policy is that we do not support it, but are we going to put a barrier that says in any port of entry that if somebody is gay they should be debarred from coming to this country..This is my question, what does the Grenadian community want of us.”

The Minister says to say not to let gays into Grenada is saying not to let a significant number of people into the country because of their way of life.

She says she will discuss the matter with cabinet and they will release a statement.

Roman Catholic Priest Father Sean Doggett says while Christian principles do not support same sex activities, homosexuals should not be discriminated against.

He says measures should be put in place to ensure that their actions do not go against our principles and laws. ”We don’t discriminate against people because they do wrong, unless they offend the public morality or they offend the sensibility of people. As churches we certainly express our disapproval of homosexuality as a way of life, and if they come to promote it among Grenadian people, then that certainly should not be accepted.” Father Sean said.

The first all gay cruise for the year brings its passengers to Grenada’s shores on December 26th.