IT was supposed to be a dream holiday to remember.
But instead has turned into a nightmare ordeal for a Hampshire couple who have been refused stay at a hotel in Morocco because of their sexuality.
Morgan Hughes, 23, and Lloyd Innes, 28 from Sholing in Southampton were looking forward to their first holiday abroad together, but were left devastated when British Airways informed them they wouldn't be able to travel to Marrakesh because they are in a homosexual relationship.
Private medical insurance administrator, Morgan Hughes, was shocked when he received a phone call from British Airways saying he would no longer be able to stay at the four star, Eden Andalou Spa & Resort hotel because of the couple’s sexuality.
They always wanted to travel to the Moroccan holiday destination to see the culture and experience the lifestyle.
After seeing the bargain holiday deal on the British Airways website, the couple telephoned the company to confirm the price and check that their sexuality would not be an issue in the Muslim country.
They were assured that as long as they were willing to sleep in twin bedrooms, the couple could stay at the resort.
The pair excitedly researched their holiday destination, read online reviews and purchased all the holiday necessities including: airport parking, transfers and a new camera.
A month after they had booked, they received an email from the airline asking them to get in contact regarding their July holiday.
Morgan said: “They said the hotel had got back in contact with them and told them that if we turned up they wouldn’t let us check in.
“I didn’t receive any apology whatsoever from British Airways and the hotel won’t speak to us directly.”
“I wouldn’t think of myself as naïve, but I have never seen my sexuality as an issue and now, it feels like something was taken away from us, for something that is completely out of our control.”
The couple, who have been together eight months, are not currently looking for another summer vacation, as they feel the experience is still too raw and state they now feel more cautious of booking holidays in the future.
A spokeswoman for British Airways has said the company is investigating.
She said: “Subsequent to contacting Mr Innes and Mr Hughes, British Airways was advised that the booking that it had requested could not be accepted and that an additional room would have to be booked.
“We apologise that Mr Innes and Mr Hughes were left feeling disappointed. However, in recognising the inconvenience this would cause, we offered, and they accepted, a full refund.
“We have also offered, as a goodwill gesture, to refund the additional expenses the customers incurred including airport parking and lounge access.
“Please note that as part of our terms and conditions, we refer our customers the Foreign and Commonwealth office website, offering country specific guidance on local law and customs.”
A spokesman from the Foreign Office said: “Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid public displays of affection. Complaints can lead to prosecution.”
The Daily Echo tried to contact the Moroccan Embassy, but they were unavailable to comment.
List of countries according to the Rainbow trust which are not LGBT friendly:
- Mauritania
- Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan
- Yemen
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