Brits Dodge Jail In Dubai Beach-Sex Case

Appeals Judge Upholds Guilty Verdict, Deports Pair, But 3 Month Sentence Suspended

(AP)  A British couple convicted of having sex on a Dubai beach had their prison sentences suspended by an appeals court on Tuesday in a case that exposed a cultural divide in this glitzy Gulf boomtown.

Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors were convicted and sentenced to three months in prison in October for having sex outside of marriage, public indecency and drunkenness.

The Dubai Court of Appeals upheld the guilty verdict but dropped their prison sentences - though it ruled the couple must still be deported from the United Arab Emirates and pay a fine of about $272 each.

"This is a good result," said Hassan Matter, the couple's Dubai-based lawyer. "This means the law in Dubai is just and shows the judge has a good mind and a good heart."

The two Britons, who are both in their 30s, met at an all-you-can-drink champagne brunch before they were arrested in July. Both previously admitted they were drunk but denied having sex.

The case revealed a fault line between Dubai's expatriate majority and the city's conservative Arab, Muslim minority.

Public displays of affection are illegal in Dubai - a city that has worked hard to cultivate an image as a party hot spot for Western tourists and businesses in the Middle East but has a conservative legal code based on Islamic laws and tribal rules.

The couple's trial prompted at least one Dubai five-star hotel chain to issue an advisory for Western tourists on appropriate behavior.

The Jumeirah Group cautioned guests at the Medinat Jumeirah hotel that "drunken behavior, especially outside licensed premises in the hotel, is punished severely." It also recommended tourists be discreet with displays of affection in public.

"Anything more than a peck on the cheek could offend those around you and even possibly lead to police involvement," the advisory said.

[Meg003]

While this couple would not be welcome to act inappropriately in my small town, this incident highlights the possible issues should Muslims gain a foothold in the U.S. and change our laws. France has already lost the right to free speech because of Muslims.

Each of us probably has individual freedoms we would not mind giving up. For example, it would not bother me if those sagging britches were not permitted. But then, if we take away the right of young men to look silly, what is next? Will we women be told we cannot wear pants, or attend college?

[displeased]

Dubai can cross me off their tourist list. If I get lucky with a young lady, my hormones take over and, as long as it is consentual, we do what comes naturally.
Posted by ramos937

Are you one of those perverts that do it in the parks with kids watching? Come on man, have enough control to get back to your room, if not at least to your vehicle.

I will admit I''ve done skinny dipping and had sexx outside and on beaches, but in very remote places. Not at touristy areas.

[ramos937]

The Jumeirah Group cautioned guests at the Medinat Jumeirah hotel that "drunken behavior, especially outside licensed premises in the hotel, is punished severely." It also recommended tourists be discreet with displays of affection in public.

"Anything more than a peck on the cheek could offend those around you and even possibly lead to police involvement," the advisory said.
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Dubai can cross me off their tourist list. If I get lucky with a young lady, my hormones take over and, as long as it is consentual, we do what comes naturally.
This applies to millions of tourists.